Surgical system shaft interconnection

ABSTRACT

A surgical instrument assembly comprising a proximal shaft assembly comprising a proximal drive member and a distal shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from the proximal shaft assembly is disclosed. The distal shaft assembly comprises a distal drive member configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the proximal drive member, wherein the distal drive member is configured to be actuated through a drive stroke by the proximal drive member. The drive stroke comprises a beginning of stroke position, an end of stroke position distal to the beginning of stroke position, and a home position. The proximal drive member and the distal drive member are configured to be coupled to and decoupled from each other when the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are in the home position, wherein the home position is not at the beginning of stroke position or the end of stroke position.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in various arrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staple cartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument configured to be operably coupled with a robotic surgical system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated in a disassembled condition;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interconnection between a shaft assembly and a transmission assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the interconnection of FIG. 4 in a disassembled condition;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the shaft assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the transmission assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the interconnection of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of an end effector of the shaft assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated in an open, unclamped, configuration;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the end effector of FIG. 9 illustrated in a closed, clamped configuration;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the end effector of FIG. 9 illustrated in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the end effector of FIG. 9 illustrated in an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the transmission assembly and a housing assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13A is a partial perspective view of a slider assembly of the transmission assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 13B is a partial perspective view of the slider assembly of FIG. 13A illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional elevational view of the slider assembly of FIG. 13A corresponding with the open configuration of the end effector illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional elevational view of the slider assembly of FIG. 13A corresponding with the closed configuration of the end effector illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the housing assembly of FIG. 13 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 corresponding with the closed, clamped configuration of the end effector illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 corresponding with the open, unclamped configuration of the end effector illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the housing assembly of FIG. 13 illustrating a portion of a closure system bailout;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the housing assembly of FIG. 13 illustrating the closure system bailout of FIG. 17 in an actuated configuration;

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrating another closure system bailout;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the transmission and housing assemblies of FIG. 13 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the transmission and housing assemblies of FIG. 13 illustrating the closure system bailout of FIG. 19 in a released configuration;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the transmission and housing assemblies of FIG. 13 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the transmission and housing assemblies of FIG. 13 illustrating the closure system bailout of FIG. 19 in the released configuration of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional end view of the slider assembly of FIG. 13A and the closure system bailout of FIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional end view of the slider assembly of FIG. 13A and the closure system bailout of FIG. 19 in the released configuration of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 illustrated in the open configuration of FIG. 9;

FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 13 illustrating the slider assembly of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 28 is another partial cross-sectional plan view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 13 illustrating the slider assembly of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 13 illustrated in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 30 is a partial plan view of a firing system in the housing assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 31 is a partial plan view of the firing system of FIG. 30 illustrated with a firing system bailout operably engaged with the firing system;

FIG. 32 is a partial plan view of the firing system of FIG. 30 being retracted by the firing system bailout; of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument configured to be operably coupled with a robotic surgical system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating a shaft assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 disassembled from a transmission assembly and a housing assembly of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the shaft assembly of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of a spine of the shaft assembly of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an interconnection between the shaft assembly and the transmission assembly of FIG. 34;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the interconnection of FIG. 38 in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the interconnection of FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the interconnection of FIG. 38 in a disconnected configuration illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34;

FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating a slider assembly;

FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 34 illustrated in an articulated configuration;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the transmission and housing assemblies of FIG. 34 illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 46 is a partial elevational view of the transmission and housing assemblies of FIG. 34;

FIG. 47 is an end cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 34 taken along line 47-47 in FIG. 46;

FIG. 47A is a partial cross-sectional view of a first slider of the slider assembly of FIG. 43 taken along line 47A-47A in FIG. 47 illustrating a closure system bailout;

FIG. 47B is a partial cross-sectional view of the first slider of FIG. 47A taken along line 47A-47A in FIG. 47 illustrated in a closed, or clamped, configuration;

FIG. 47C is a partial cross-sectional view of the first slider of FIG. 47A taken along line 47A-47A in FIG. 47 illustrating the closure system bailout in a released configuration;

FIG. 48 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 illustrating an end effector of the shaft assembly of FIG. 34 in a closed, or clamped, configuration;

FIG. 49 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 illustrating the end effector of FIG. 48 in an open, or unclamped, configuration and the closure system bailout of FIG. 47A in the released configuration of FIG. 47C;

FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional bottom view of the transmission assembly of FIG. 34;

FIG. 51 is a partial perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating a firing system illustrated with some components removed;

FIG. 52 is a partial perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating a firing system bailout;

FIG. 53 is a partial perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating the firing system bailout of FIG. 52 in an actuated configuration;

FIG. 54 illustrates a portion of the firing system of FIG. 51 and the firing system bailout of FIG. 52;

FIG. 55 illustrates the firing system bailout of FIG. 52 in a released configuration;

FIG. 56 illustrates the firing system bailout of FIG. 52 in the actuated configuration of FIG. 53;

FIG. 57 is a partial bottom perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating a bailout door in a closed configuration;

FIG. 58 is a partial bottom perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating the bailout door of FIG. 57 in an open configuration;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional end view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating the bailout door of FIG. 57 in the closed configuration of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional end view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating the bailout door of FIG. 57 in the open configuration of FIG. 58;

FIG. 61 is a partial bottom cross-sectional view of the housing assembly of FIG. 34 illustrating the bailout door of FIG. 57 in the closed configuration of FIG. 57;

FIG. 62 is a bottom plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 illustrating the end effector of FIG. 48 in an articulated configuration and the bailout door of FIG. 57 in the open configuration of FIG. 58;

FIG. 63 is a bottom plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 illustrating the end effector of FIG. 48 articulated in an opposite direction and the bailout door of FIG. 57 in the open configuration of FIG. 58;

FIG. 64 is a bottom plan view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 illustrating an articulation bailout system being actuated to move the end effector of FIG. 48 into an unarticulated configuration;

FIG. 65 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 illustrated with some components removed illustrating the articulation bailout system of FIG. 64 in a disengaged configuration;

FIG. 65A is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 illustrated with some components removed illustrating the articulation bailout system of FIG. 64 in the disengaged configuration of FIG. 65;

FIG. 66 is a partial perspective view of the surgical instrument of FIG. 33 illustrated with some components removed illustrating the articulation bailout system of FIG. 64 in an engaged configuration;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument assembly comprising a surgical instrument and a sterile adapter in accordance with at least one embodiment, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to be attached to and detached from the sterile adapter, and wherein the surgical instrument is illustrated in a pre-assembled state;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a drive system of the surgical instrument of FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 67;

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 67, wherein the surgical instrument is illustrated in a partially attached state;

FIG. 71 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 67, wherein the surgical instrument is illustrated in a fully attached state;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument assembly comprising a surgical instrument and a sterile adapter in accordance with at least one embodiment, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to be attached to and detached from the sterile adapter, and wherein the surgical instrument is illustrated in a pre-assembly state;

FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 72, wherein the surgical instrument is illustrated in a partially attached state;

FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 72, wherein the surgical instrument is illustrated in a fully attached state;

FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 72, wherein the surgical instrument is illustrated in a partially detached state;

FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the surgical instrument assembly of FIG. 72, wherein the surgical instrument is illustrated in a disassembled state; and

FIG. 78 is a perspective view of a surgical robot.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on even date herewith and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL SYSTEM BAILOUT; Attorney Docket No. END8172USNP/170111M;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM BAILOUT; Attorney Docket No. END8174USNP/170112; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION BAILOUT; Attorney Docket No. END8175USNP/170113.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 28, 2017 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,693, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN OFFSET ARTICULATION JOINT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,729, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,785, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM RATIO;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,808, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING FIRING MEMBER SUPPORTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,837, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE TO A FRAME;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,941, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION SYSTEM LOCKABLE BY A CLOSURE SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/636,029, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A HOUSING ARRANGEMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,958, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SELECTIVELY ACTUATABLE ROTATABLE COUPLERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,981, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS COMPRISING SHORTENED STAPLE CARTRIDGE NOSES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/636,009, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHAFT INCLUDING A CLOSURE TUBE PROFILE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,663, entitled METHOD FOR ARTICULATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,530, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR WITH AXIALLY SHORTENED ARTICULATION JOINT CONFIGURATIONS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,549, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OPEN AND CLOSABLE JAWS AND AXIALLY MOVABLE FIRING MEMBER THAT IS INITIALLY PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE JAWS PRIOR TO FIRING;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,559, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS CONSTRAINED TO PIVOT ABOUT AN AXIS UPON CONTACT WITH A CLOSURE MEMBER THAT IS PARKED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE PIVOT AXIS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,578, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH IMPROVED JAW APERTURE ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,594, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING DEVICES WITH PIVOTABLE ANVIL WITH A TISSUE LOCATING ARRANGEMENT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO AN ANVIL PIVOT AXIS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,612, entitled JAW RETAINER ARRANGEMENT FOR RETAINING A PIVOTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW IN PIVOTABLE RETAINING ENGAGEMENT WITH A SECOND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT JAW;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,621, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,631, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/635,521, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENT;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,083, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,087, entitled SURGICAL FORMING ANVIL;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,093, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,121, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,125, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,128, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; and

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/609,129, entitled DISPLAY SCREEN PORTION OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 27, 2017 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,024, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL MANUFACTURING METHODS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,035, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,046, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,054, entitled SURGICAL ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,068, entitled SURGICAL FIRING MEMBER ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,076, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,090, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,099, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ANVILS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/634,117, entitled ARTICULATION SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Dec. 21, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,185, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES THEREOF;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,221, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,209, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND FIRING MEMBERS THEREOF;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,198, entitled LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND REPLACEABLE TOOL ASSEMBLIES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,240, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS AND ADAPTABLE FIRING MEMBERS THEREFOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,939, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,941, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLUTCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SHIFTING BETWEEN CLOSURE SYSTEMS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES AND ARTICULATION AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,943, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,950, entitled SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLIES WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,945, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,946, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,951, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAW OPENING FEATURES FOR INCREASING A JAW OPENING DISTANCE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,953, entitled METHODS OF STAPLING TISSUE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,954, entitled FIRING MEMBERS WITH NON-PARALLEL JAW ENGAGEMENT FEATURES FOR SURGICAL END EFFECTORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,955, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH EXPANDABLE TISSUE STOP ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,948, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS AND STAPLE-FORMING ANVILS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,956, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,958, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING FIRING SYSTEM ACTUATION UNLESS AN UNSPENT STAPLE CARTRIDGE IS PRESENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,947, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND ARRANGEMENTS OF STAPLES AND STAPLE CAVITIES THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,896, entitled METHOD FOR RESETTING A FUSE OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,898, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENT TO ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,899, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING IMPROVED JAW CONTROL;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,901, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE AND STAPLE CARTRIDGE CHANNEL COMPRISING WINDOWS DEFINED THEREIN;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,902, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CUTTING MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,904, entitled STAPLE FIRING MEMBER COMPRISING A MISSING CARTRIDGE AND/OR SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,905, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,907, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN END EFFECTOR LOCKOUT AND A FIRING ASSEMBLY LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,908, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FUSE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,909, entitled FIRING ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MULTIPLE FAILED-STATE FUSE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,920, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,913, entitled ANVIL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,914, entitled METHOD OF DEFORMING STAPLES FROM TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH THE SAME SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,893, entitled BILATERALLY ASYMMETRIC STAPLE FORMING POCKET PAIRS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,929, entitled CLOSURE MEMBERS WITH CAM SURFACE ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,911, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS WITH INDEPENDENTLY ACTUATABLE CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,927, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH SMART STAPLE CARTRIDGES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,917, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING STAPLES WITH DIFFERENT CLAMPING BREADTHS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,900, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING PRIMARY SIDEWALLS AND POCKET SIDEWALLS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,931, entitled NO-CARTRIDGE AND SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,915, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN ANGLE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,897, entitled STAPLE FORMING POCKET ARRANGEMENTS COMPRISING ZONED FORMING SURFACE GROOVES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,922, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FAILURE RESPONSE MODES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,924, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH PRIMARY AND SAFETY PROCESSORS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,912, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH JAWS THAT ARE PIVOTABLE ABOUT A FIXED AXIS AND INCLUDE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSURE AND FIRING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,910, entitled ANVIL HAVING A KNIFE SLOT WIDTH;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,906, entitled FIRING MEMBER PIN CONFIGURATIONS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,188, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH ASYMMETRICAL STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,192, entitled STEPPED STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH TISSUE RETENTION AND GAP SETTING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,206, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH DEFORMABLE DRIVER RETENTION FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,226, entitled DURABILITY FEATURES FOR END EFFECTORS AND FIRING ASSEMBLIES OF SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,222, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS HAVING END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE OPENING FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/386,236, entitled CONNECTION PORTIONS FOR DEPOSABLE LOADING UNITS FOR SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,887, entitled METHOD FOR ATTACHING A SHAFT ASSEMBLY TO A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT AND, ALTERNATIVELY, TO A SURGICAL ROBOT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,889, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A MANUALLY-OPERABLE RETRACTION SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A MOTORIZED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,890, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING SEPARATELY ACTUATABLE AND RETRACTABLE SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,891, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CLUTCH CONFIGURED TO ADAPT THE OUTPUT OF A ROTARY FIRING MEMBER TO TWO DIFFERENT SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,892, entitled SURGICAL SYSTEM COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER ROTATABLE INTO AN ARTICULATION STATE TO ARTICULATE AN END EFFECTOR OF THE SURGICAL SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,894, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,895, entitled SHAFT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND ARTICULATION LOCKOUTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,916, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,918, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,919, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER CARTRIDGE WITH MOVABLE CAMMING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DISENGAGE FIRING MEMBER LOCKOUT FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,923, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,925, entitled JAW ACTUATED LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ADVANCEMENT OF A FIRING MEMBER IN A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR UNLESS AN UNFIRED CARTRIDGE IS INSTALLED IN THE END EFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,926, entitled AXIALLY MOVABLE CLOSURE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR APPLYING CLOSURE MOTIONS TO JAWS OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,928, entitled PROTECTIVE COVER ARRANGEMENTS FOR A JOINT INTERFACE BETWEEN A MOVABLE JAW AND ACTUATOR SHAFT OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,930, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH TWO SEPARATE COOPERATING OPENING FEATURES FOR OPENING AND CLOSING END EFFECTOR JAWS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,932, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTOR WITH ASYMMETRIC SHAFT ARRANGEMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,933, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH INDEPENDENT PIVOTABLE LINKAGE DISTAL OF AN ARTICULATION LOCK;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,934, entitled ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR IN AN ARTICULATED POSITION IN RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF A JAW CLOSURE SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,935, entitled LATERALLY ACTUATABLE ARTICULATION LOCK ARRANGEMENTS FOR LOCKING AN END EFFECTOR OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT IN AN ARTICULATED CONFIGURATION; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/385,936, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATION STROKE AMPLIFICATION FEATURES.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,807, entitled STAPLING SYSTEM FOR USE WITH WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER;

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and

U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264, entitled SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENT HEIGHTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATION MEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENERS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGES WITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVE TO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH TENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATION SYSTEMS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS.

Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patent applications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FOR COMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367256;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL END EFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367248;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367255;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTER FIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367254;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367246; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULL ARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0367245.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVEL THRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/02561185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RATES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUE TYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTI SENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEED CONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256153;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENT EVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, AND VISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256187;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVE FEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITH LOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256163;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWER COMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256162; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256161.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249919;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICAL APPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGING SYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEM THAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249918;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249916;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERY FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249908;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249945;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLING ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249927; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249917.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING MEMBER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174969;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174978;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETE NON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174972;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174983;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174975;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174973;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174970; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0174971.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWERED ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246472;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCH ARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSOR MOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,554,794;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCH ASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSOR STRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263542;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263564;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSOR ARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263538;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTION MOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,623;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,726;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAIN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0277017.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent application that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATION VERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272581;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OF NUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272574;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272579;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACK ALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272569;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272578;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272570;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272572;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0277471;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENT THROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280424;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0272583; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0280384.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY AND SENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066912;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITH INTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066914;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICE DEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORS WITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066909;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled POLARITY OF HALL MAGNET TO DETECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066915;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGE WAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066911;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTOR CONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066916; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OF TISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROM THE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,649,110;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305988;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEAR SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309666;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305991;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARY DRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305994;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICAL STAPLE/FASTENER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0309665;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEM DECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305990; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTOR DRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0305992.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patent applications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH POWER;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. The reader will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgical system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument. The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and the term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performing laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, the reader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devices disclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures and applications including, for example, in connection with open surgical procedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the reader will further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed herein can be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a natural orifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. The working portions or end effector portions of the instruments can be inserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through an access device that has a working channel through which the end effector and elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effector extending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is not removable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. The second jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected from the staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the first jaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned in which the first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgical stapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured to permit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axis extending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments are envisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between the proximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge is positioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil is positioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward the staple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck. Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can be deployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavities defined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staple cavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows. Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of a longitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a second side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staple cavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second, or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. The drivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extends around the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient members configured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to the cartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positions and their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between a proximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal position adjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of ramped surfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, and the staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. The firing member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled toward the distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firing member further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firing member also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

A surgical instrument 1000 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-32. The surgical instrument 1000 comprises a surgical stapling instrument which is configured to be used with a robotic surgical system. Various robotic surgical systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2012/0298719, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, filed May 27, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2, the surgical instrument 1000 comprises a housing assembly 2000 configured to be attached to the robotic surgical system and, in addition, a transmission assembly 3000 mounted to the housing assembly 2000. The surgical instrument 1000 further comprises a shaft assembly 4000 attachable to the transmission assembly 3000. In use, the robotic surgical system can transmit rotary and/or linear inputs into the housing assembly 2000 and/or the transmission assembly 3000 to operate the shaft assembly 4000, as described in greater detail below.

The shaft assembly 4000 comprises, among other things, a shaft 4100 and an end effector 4200. The end effector 4200 comprises a first jaw 4210 comprising a cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge, such as staple cartridge 4230, for example. The end effector 4200 further comprises a second jaw 4220 comprising an anvil configured to deform the staples of the staple cartridge. The second jaw 4220 is rotatable relative to the first jaw 4210 between an open, unclamped position (FIG. 9) and a closed, clamped position (FIG. 10). The shaft assembly 4000 further comprises a closure tube 4120 which is movable distally along a longitudinal axis LA of the shaft 4100 to close the second jaw 4220. As described in greater detail below, the transmission assembly 3000 is operably coupled to a first linear input of the robotic surgical system which is configured to push the closure tube 4120 distally and close the second jaw 4220 to clamp the end effector 4200 onto the tissue of a patient. The transmission assembly 3000 is also operably coupled to a second linear input of the robotic surgical system which is configured to push the closure tube 4120 proximally and open, or unclamp, the second jaw 4220. The first and second linear inputs of the robotic surgical system can be selectively actuated to open and close the end effector 4200 as needed.

In various alternative embodiments, the first jaw 4210 is rotatable relative to the second jaw 4220. In such embodiments, the jaw motion and the staple firing motion both occur on the same side of the end effector.

The shaft assembly 4000 further comprises an articulation joint 4300 which rotatably connects the end effector 4200 to the shaft 4100. As described in greater detail below, the transmission assembly 3000 is operably coupled to a third linear input of the robotic surgical system which is configured to articulate the end effector 4200 in a first direction, such as to the right (FIG. 11), for example. The transmission assembly 3000 is operably coupled to a fourth linear input of the robotic surgical system which is configured to articulate the end effector 4200 in a second direction, such as to the left. In use, the third and fourth linear inputs of the robotic surgical system can be selectively actuated to rotate the end effector 4200 between an unarticulated configuration (FIG. 12) and an articulated configuration, or between two different articulated configurations, as needed in order to suitably position the end effector 4200 relative to the tissue of a patient within a surgical site.

The shaft assembly 4000 is also rotatable about the longitudinal axis LA to position the end effector 4200 relative to the tissue of a patient within a surgical site. As discussed in greater detail below, the shaft assembly 4000 is rotatably supported by a housing 3100 of the transmission assembly 3000 and is operably coupled with an end effector rotation drive system 2900 in the housing assembly 2000. The end effector rotation drive system 2900 comprises a drive input which is accessible through an opening 2180 defined in a housing 2100 of the housing assembly 2000. The end effector rotation drive system 2900 is operably coupled to a first rotary input of the robotic surgical system when the surgical instrument 1000 is assembled thereto. When the drive input of the end effector rotation drive system 2900 is rotated in a first direction, the shaft assembly 4000 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA in a first direction, such as a clockwise direction. When the drive input of the end effector drive system 2900 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the shaft assembly 4000 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA in a second direction, such as a counter-clockwise direction. The end effector drive system 2900 can be selectively operated in the first and second directions as many times as needed to suitably position the end effector 4200 relative to the targeted tissue.

The shaft assembly 4000 further comprises a staple firing system configured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge 4230. The staple firing system of the shaft assembly 4000 is operably coupled with a staple firing drive system 2500 in the housing assembly 2000. The staple firing drive system 2500 comprises a drive input which is accessible through an opening 2150 defined in the housing 2100 of the housing assembly 2000. The staple firing drive system 2500 is operably coupled to a second rotary input of the robotic surgical system when the surgical instrument 1000 is assembled thereto. When the drive input of the staple firing drive system 2500 is rotated in a first direction, a firing bar of the staple firing system is advanced distally through, or at least partially through, a staple firing stroke. When the drive input of the staple firing drive system 2500 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction, the firing bar is retracted proximally through a retraction stroke. In various instances, the at least partially fired, or spent, staple cartridge 4230 can be replaced with an unspent staple cartridge and the staple firing system 2500 can be operated once again to perform another staple firing stroke, if desired.

During various surgical procedures, the end effector 4200 of the surgical instrument 4000 is placed in a closed and unarticulated configuration and inserted through a trocar into a surgical site within a patient. In various instances, a trocar comprises a tube including a sharp tip at a distal end thereof which is configured to be pushed through an incision in a patient and, also, a sealed port at a proximal end thereof which is configured to sealingly receive the end effector 4200 and seal against the shaft 4100 of the surgical instrument 1000. Once the end effector 4200 has been positioned in the surgical site by the robotic surgical system, the shaft assembly 4000 can be rotated about its longitudinal axis LA to suitably orient the end effector 4200. Once the articulation joint 4300 of the shaft assembly 4000 has cleared the distal end of the trocar, the end effector 4200 can be articulated. In many instances, the end effector 4200 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA before the end effector 4200 is articulated about the articulation joint 4300; however, in some instances, it is possible to articulate the end effector about the articulation joint 4300 before the end effector 4200 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA and/or while the end effector 4200 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA.

In many instances, the end effector 4200 is in its closed configuration when it is rotated and/or articulated as discussed above; however, in some instances, the end effector 4200 can be in its open configuration when it is rotated and/or articulated as discussed above. The robotic surgical system and/or the surgical instrument 1000 can comprise one or more lockouts configured to prevent the end effector 4200 from being articulated and/or rotated when the end effector 4200 is in its closed configuration. Such lockouts can be mechanical and/or electronic lockouts, for example. Moreover, such arrangements can reduce the possibility of the end effector 4200 twisting the tissue of the patient once the end effector 4200 is clamped onto the patient. Alternatively, the robotic surgical system and/or the surgical instrument 1000 can comprise one or more lockouts configured or programmed to prevent the end effector 4200 from being rotated and/or articulated unless the end effector 4200 is in its closed configuration. In any event, the end effector 4200 is opened by the robotic surgical system before the targeted tissue is positioned between the jaws 4210 and 4220 of the end effector 4200 and then closed once the tissue is suitably positioned there between. Thereafter, the robotic surgical system operates, or can be controlled to operate, the staple firing system of the surgical instrument 1000 to perform a staple firing stroke. Similar to the above, the robotic surgical system and/or the surgical instrument 1000 can comprise one or more mechanical and/or electronic lockouts configured to prevent the staple firing stroke from being performed unless the end effector 4200 is in its closed, or a suitably closed, configuration.

Once the staple firing stroke has been completed, or at least partially completed, the robotic surgical system can use the staple firing system 2500 to retract the firing bar of the staple firing system. In various instances, the robotic surgical system and/or the surgical instrument 1000 can comprise one or more lockouts configured to prevent the second jaw 4220 from being opened until the firing member has been completely, or at least sufficiently, retracted. That said, the surgical instrument 1000 can comprise one or more bailout systems that can overcome such lockouts, as described in greater detail below. Once the end effector 4200 has been released from the tissue, the robotic surgical system can move, or be controlled to move, the end effector 4200 away from the tissue and the re-close and straighten the end effector 4200 before pulling the end effector 4200 back through the trocar. In various instances, the robotic surgical system can completely retract the end effector 4200 out of the trocar but, in some instances, the surgical instrument 1000 may need to be detached from the robotic surgical instrument and removed manually from the trocar.

In some instances, the robotic surgical system and the surgical instrument 1000 can be used to perform an open surgical procedure. In such procedures, a larger incision is made in the patient to access the surgical site without the use of a trocar.

Additional details of the closure system, the articulation system, the rotation system, and the staple firing system of the surgical instrument 1000 are provided below. In various instances, however, one or more of these systems may become dysfunctional during use. Moreover, the robotic surgical system may become dysfunctional during use which can prevent one or more of the systems of the surgical instrument 1000 from being operated, or at least properly operated. As described in greater detail further below, the surgical instrument 1000 comprises bailout systems configured to manually operate the surgical instrument 1000, at least to some extent, in order to permit a clinician to remove the surgical instrument 1000 from the surgical site, among other things. Such manually-operated bailout systems are also helpful to manipulate the surgical instrument 1000 when the surgical instrument 1000 is detached from the surgical robotic system.

As discussed above, the transmission assembly 3000 of the surgical instrument 1000 is configured to receive four linear inputs from a robotic surgical system. That said, other embodiments are envisioned in which a transmission assembly of a surgical instrument comprises more than or less than four linear inputs. Referring primarily to FIGS. 21-29, the transmission assembly 3000 comprises a slider assembly 3700 configured to transmit the four linear motions provided by the robotic surgical system to the end effector closing and articulation systems of the surgical instrument 1000. More specifically, the slider assembly 3700 comprises a first slider 3710 and a second slider 3720 configured to receive, respectively, the first and second linear inputs of the robotic surgical system to operate the closure system of the surgical instrument 1000. The slider assembly 3700 further comprises a third slider 3730 and a fourth slider 3740 configured to receive, respectively, the third and fourth linear inputs of the robotic surgical system to operate the articulation system of the surgical instrument 1000.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 21-29, the first slider 3710 comprises a first input socket, or cup, 3712 extending therefrom. The first input socket 3712 is configured to be pushed proximally by a first linear actuator of the robotic surgical system in order to push the first slider 3710 proximally. Notably, the first linear actuator is not attached to the first input socket 3712 in a manner which permits the first linear actuator to pull the first slider 3710 distally. Similarly, the second slider 3720 comprises a second input socket, or cup, 3722 extending therefrom. The second input socket 3722 is configured to be pushed proximally by a second linear actuator of the robotic surgical system in order to push the second slider 3720 proximally. Notably, the second linear actuator is not attached to the second input socket 3722 in a manner which permits the second linear actuator to pull the second slider 3720 distally. Referring to FIGS. 27-29, the housing 3100 of the transmission 3000 is configured to constrain the motion of the sliders 3710 and 3720 to longitudinal, or at least substantially longitudinal, paths within the housing 3100.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 21-25, the first slider 3710 comprises a first longitudinal rack of teeth 3716 defined thereon. Similarly, the second slider 3720 comprises a second longitudinal rack of teeth 3726 defined thereon. The first longitudinal rack of teeth 3716 is parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the second longitudinal rack of teeth 3726. The first longitudinal rack of teeth 3716 is operably coupled to the second rack of teeth 3726 by a pinion gear 2896 such that, when the first slider 3710 is pushed proximally by the robotic surgical system, the second slider 3720 is pushed distally by the first slider 3710. Correspondingly, the first slider 3710 is pushed distally by the second slider 3720 when the second slider 3720 is pushed proximally by the robotic surgical system. In either instance, the pinion gear 2896 rotates about an axis defined by a shaft, or pin, 2890 extending therefrom. As discussed in greater detail below, the pinion gear 2896 is displaceable away from the racks 3716 and 3726 to operably decouple the first slider 3710 and the second slider 3720 (FIG. 25) so that the sliders 3710 and 3720 may be operated independently of one another to manually bailout the closing system of the surgical instrument 1000.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 13-13D, the second slider 3720 comprises a drive portion 3724 coupled with a drive disc 3820. More specifically, referring primarily to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the drive portion 3724 of the second slider 3720 is engaged with an annular groove 3824 defined in the drive disc 3820. When the second slider 3720 is pushed proximally by the robotic surgical system, the second slider 3720 pushes the drive disc 3820 proximally. Similarly, the second slider 3720 pushes the drive disc 3820 distally when the second slider 3720 is moved distally. Moreover, the drive disc 3820 is rotatable relative to the second slider 3720. As a result, the drive disc 3820 can rotate with the shaft assembly 4000, and relative to the second slider 3720, when the shaft assembly 4000 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA. As will be described in greater detail below, the drive disc 3820 is part of an array of drive discs 3800 that are configured to perform various functions of the surgical instrument 4000. Notably, though, the first slider 3710 is not directly engaged with any of the drive discs of the drive disc array 3800. Rather, the first slider 3710 is only engaged with the drive disc 3820 via the pinion gear 2896 and the second slider 3720.

Referring to FIG. 13C, the drive disc 3820 is mounted to a closure tube 3120 of the transmission assembly 3000. More specifically, the closure tube 3120 comprises a hexagonal tube portion 3128 extending through a hexagonal aperture defined in the drive disc 3820 which is mounted to the drive disc 3820 via a set screw. The closure tube 3120 is mounted to the drive disc 3820 such that the closure tube 3120 and the drive disc 3820 translate and rotate together. In use, the closure tube 3120 is movable from a proximal position (FIG. 13C) to a distal position (FIG. 13D) during a closure stroke to close the second jaw 4220 of the end effector 4200. Correspondingly, the closure tube 3120 is movable from a distal position (FIG. 13D) to a proximal position (FIG. 13C) during an opening stroke to open the second jaw 4220. The housing 3100 of the transmission 3000 is configured to limit the closure and opening strokes of the closure tube 3120. More specifically, the transmission housing 3100 comprises a cavity 3116 defined therein which comprises a distal end wall configured to limit the closure stroke and a proximal end wall configured to limit the opening stroke. A flange, or stop, 3126 extending from the closure tube 3120 is configured to engage the distal and proximal end walls during the closure and opening strokes, respectively.

Further to the above, the closure tube 3120 of the transmission assembly 3000 does not directly engage the second jaw 4220. Rather, referring primarily to FIG. 3, the closure tube 3120 is operably coupled with a closure tube 4120 of the shaft assembly 4000 which engages the second jaw 4220. The closure tube 3120 comprises a distal end 3122 which is configured to be mated with a proximal end 4122 of the closure tube 4120 such that the closure tube 3120 and the closure tube 4120 translate and rotate together. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the closure tube 4120 comprises an elongate tube portion 4123 and, in addition, a distal tube portion 4128 rotatably connected to a distal end 4124 of the elongate tube portion 4123. More specifically, the distal tube portion 4128 is rotatably connected to the elongate tube portion 4123 by one or more links 4126 which are configured to permit the end effector 4200 to articulate relative to the shaft 4100. Referring primarily to FIGS. 9 and 10, the distal tube portion 4128 comprises a cam 4129 defined thereon which is configured to engage a cam surface 4229 defined on the second jaw 4220 and rotate the second jaw 4220 from an open, unclamped position (FIG. 9) to a closed, clamped position (FIG. 10) when the closure tube 4120 is advanced distally. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the distal tube portion 4125 comprises one or more windows 4127 defined therein and the second jaw 4220 comprises one or more projections 4227 extending into the windows 4127. When the closure tube 4120 is retracted proximally, distal endwalls of the windows 4127 engage the projections 4227 of the second jaw 4220 and rotate the second jaw 4220 from a closed, clamped position (FIG. 10) to an open, unclamped position (FIG. 9).

Referring again to FIGS. 21-29, the third slider 3730 of the slider assembly 3700 comprises a third input socket, or cup, 3732 extending therefrom. The third input socket 3732 is configured to be pushed proximally by a third linear actuator of the robotic surgical system in order to push the third slider 3730 proximally. Notably, the third linear actuator is not attached to the third input socket 3732 in a manner which permits the third linear actuator to pull the third slider 3730 distally. Similarly, the fourth slider 3740 comprises a fourth input socket, or cup, 3742 extending therefrom. The fourth input socket 3742 is configured to be pushed proximally by a fourth linear actuator of the robotic surgical system in order to push the fourth slider 3740 proximally. Notably, the fourth linear actuator is not attached to the fourth input socket 3742 in a manner which permits the fourth linear actuator to pull the fourth slider 3740 distally. Referring primarily to FIGS. 27-29, the housing 3100 of the transmission 3000 is configured to constrain the motion of the sliders 3730 and 3740 to longitudinal, or at least substantially longitudinal, paths within the housing 3100.

Further to the above, referring primarily to FIGS. 13C, 13D, and 28, the drive disc array 3800 further comprises a drive disc 3830 and a drive disc 3840. The third slider 3730 comprises a drive portion 3734 engaged with an annular groove 3834 defined in the drive disc 3830. When the third slider 3730 is pushed proximally by the robotic surgical system, the third slider 3730 pushes the drive disc 3830 proximally. Moreover, the drive disc 3830 is rotatable relative to the third slider 3730. As a result, the drive disc 3830 can rotate with the shaft assembly 4000, and relative to the slider 3730, when the shaft assembly 4000 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA. Similarly, the fourth slider 3740 comprises a drive portion 3744 engaged with an annular groove 3844 defined in the drive disc 3840. When the fourth slider 3740 is pushed proximally by the robotic surgical system, the fourth slider 3740 pushes the drive disc 3840 proximally. Moreover, the drive disc 3840 is rotatable relative to the fourth slider 3740. As a result, the drive disc 3840 can rotate with the shaft assembly 4000, and relative to the fourth slider 3740, when the shaft assembly 4000 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 11, 12, and 28, a first articulation driver 3410 is mounted to the drive disc 3830. The first articulation driver 3410 comprises a proximal end 3414 (FIG. 7) fastened to the drive disc 3830 such that the first articulation driver 3410 and the drive disc 3830 translate and rotate together. When the drive disc 3830 is moved proximally by the third slider 3730, as described above, the first articulation driver 3410 is pulled proximally to articulate the end effector 4200 in a first direction, or to the right (FIG. 11). That said, the first articulation driver 3410 is not directly engaged with the end effector 4200. Rather, referring to primarily to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first articulation driver 3410 of the transmission assembly 3000 is operably coupled with a first articulation driver 4410 of the shaft assembly 4000, wherein the first articulation driver 4410 is directly engaged with the end effector 4200. The first articulation driver 4410 comprises a proximal end 4412 which is operably engaged with a distal end 3412 of the first articulation driver 3410 and, also, a distal end 4414 which is operably engaged with the first jaw 4210 of the end effector 4200.

Referring primarily to FIG. 29, a second articulation driver 3420 is mounted to the drive disc 3840. The second articulation driver 3420 comprises a proximal end 3424 (FIG. 7) fastened to the drive disc 3840 such that the second articulation driver 3420 and the drive disc 3840 translate and rotate together. When the drive disc 3840 is moved proximally by the fourth slider 3740, as described above, the second articulation driver 3420 is pulled proximally to articulate the end effector 4200 in a second direction, or to the left. That said, the second articulation driver 3420 is not directly engaged with the end effector 4200. Rather, referring to primarily to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second articulation driver 3420 of the transmission assembly 3000 is operably coupled with a second articulation driver 4420 of the shaft assembly 4000, wherein the second articulation driver 4420 is directly engaged with the end effector 4200. The second articulation driver 4420 comprises a proximal end 4422 which is operably engaged with a distal end 3422 of the second articulation driver 3420 and, also, a distal end 4424 which is operably engaged with the first jaw 4210 of the end effector 4200.

Further to the above, referring again to FIG. 29, the second articulation drivers 3420 and 4420 are back-driven by the end effector 4200 when the end effector 4200 is articulated to the right by the first articulation drivers 3410 and 4410. Stated another way, the second articulation drivers 3420 and 4420, the fourth slider 3740, and the drive disc 3840 are pulled distally when the first articulation drivers 3410 and 4410, the third slider 3730, and the drive disc 3830 are pushed proximally. Correspondingly, the first articulation drivers 3410 and 4410 are back-driven by the end effector 4200 when the end effector 4200 is articulated to the left by the second articulation drivers 3420 and 4420. Stated another way, the first articulation drivers 3410 and 4410, the third slider 3730, and the drive disc 3830 are pulled distally when the second articulation drivers 3420 and 4420, the fourth slider 3740, and the drive disc 3840 are pushed proximally.

The surgical instrument 1000 further comprises an articulation lock configured to lock the end effector 4200 in position and prevent the end effector 4200 from articulating relative to the shaft 4100. The articulation lock comprises a proximal lock portion 3610 (FIG. 7) in the transmission assembly 3000 and a distal lock portion 4610 (FIG. 6) in the shaft assembly 4000. The proximal lock portion 3610 comprises a proximal end 3614 mounted to the drive disc 3820 and, in addition, a distal end 3612. The distal lock portion 4610 comprises a proximal end 4612 engaged with the distal end 3612 of the proximal lock portion 3610 and, in addition, a distal end 4614 configured to engage the first jaw 4210 of the end effector 4200. As a result of the above, the articulation lock is movable with the closure system of the surgical instrument 1000. More particularly, when the second slider 3720 is pushed proximally to open the second jaw 4220 of the end effector 4200, as described above, the articulation lock is moved away from the end effector 4200 such that the end effector 4200 can be articulated about the articulation joint 4300. Moreover, the articulation lock is moved toward the end effector 4200 to lock the end effector 4200 in position, whether or not the end effector 4200 is in an articulated or unarticulated position, when the first slider 3710 is pushed proximally to close the second jaw 4220 of the end effector 4200.

As discussed above, the articulation lock of the surgical instrument 1000 is automatically actuated by the closure system. As a result, the end effector 4200 of the surgical instrument 1000 must be articulated into position before the end effector 4200 is placed into its closed configuration or, alternatively, the end effector 4200 must be re-opened so that the end effector 4200 can be articulated once again. In such instances, the end effector 4200 is prevented from articulating while clamped to the patient tissue. In various alternative embodiments, the articulation lock of a surgical instrument can be actuated separately and is not automatically actuated by any other system of the surgical instrument. In such embodiments, the end effector of the surgical instrument can be articulated while in a closed configuration and, as a result, may be able to access smaller spaces within a surgical site.

As discussed above, the sliders 3710, 3720, 3730, and 3740 of the slider assembly 3700 are pushable distally by the linear actuators of the robotic surgical system. In some instances, the linear actuators comprise solenoids that produce a linear output, for example. In various instances, the linear actuators can comprise any suitable linear motor, for example. As also discussed above, the linear actuators of the robotic surgical system are configured to push, but not pull, the sliders 3710, 3720, 3730, and 3740. In various other embodiments, the actuators of the robotic surgical system are configured to push and/or pull the sliders 3710, 3720, 3730, and 3740. In such instances, the actuators which operate the sliders 3710 and 3720 can work co-operatively to control the closure system of the surgical instrument and, similarly, the actuators which operate the sliders 3730 and 3740 can work co-operatively to control the articulation system of the surgical instrument.

As discussed above, the shaft assembly 4000 of the surgical instrument 1000 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis LA relative to the housing assembly 2000. Referring primarily to FIGS. 20-23, 28, and 29, the housing assembly 2000 comprises a rotation drive system 2900 configured to rotate the shaft assembly 4000 about the longitudinal axis LA. The rotation drive system 2900 comprises a rotatable drive input 2980 which is operably engageable with a rotary output of the robotic surgical system. The rotatable drive input 2980 extends into an opening 2180 (FIG. 22) defined in the housing 2100 of the housing assembly 2000. The drive input 2980 comprises a shaft which is rotatably supported by the housing 2100 and is rotatable in a first direction to rotate the shaft assembly 4000 about the longitudinal axis LA in a first direction and in a second direction to rotate the shaft assembly 4000 about the longitudinal axis LA in a second direction, as discussed in greater detail below.

Further to the above, the rotation drive system 2900 comprises a gear train configured to transmit the rotation of the drive input 2980 to an output shaft 2940. The gear train comprises a pinion gear 2970 fixedly mounted to the drive input 2980 which rotates with the drive input 2980. The gear train further comprises an idler gear 2960 meshingly engaged with the pinion gear 2970 and, in addition, an output gear 2950 meshingly engaged with the idler gear 2960. The output gear 2950 is fixedly mounted to the output shaft 2940 and rotates with the output shaft 2940. The idler gear 2960 is rotatably mounted to the housing 2100 and the output shaft 2940 is rotatably supported by the housing 2100 of the housing assembly 2000 and/or the housing 3100 of the transmission assembly 3000. As a result of the above, the gear train transmits the rotation of the drive input 2980 to the output shaft 2940 when the drive input 2980 is rotated by the robotic surgical instrument.

The rotation drive system 2900 further comprises an elongate spur gear 2930 fixedly mounted to the output shaft 2940 which rotates with the output shaft 2940. The elongate spur gear 2930 is meshingly engaged with a ring gear 2920 fixedly mounted to the closure tube 3120 of the transmission assembly 3000 such that the rotation of the output shaft 2940 is transmitted to closure tube 3120. As discussed above, the closure tube 3120 is operably engaged with the closure tube 4120 of the shaft assembly 4000 such that the closure tubes 3120 and 4120 rotate together. The closure tube 4120 is keyed to and/or otherwise sufficiently coupled to the other components of the shaft 4100, the end effector 4200, and the articulation joint 4300 such that the closure tube 4120 rotates the entire shaft assembly 4000 about the longitudinal axis LA when the closure tube 4120 is rotated by the rotation drive system 2900.

As discussed above, the elongate spur gear 2930 is configured to transmit the motion of the rotation drive system 2900 to the closure tube 3120 via the ring gear 2920. The spur gear 2930 is elongate so that the spur gear 2930 remains operably engaged, or intermeshed, with the ring gear 2920 throughout the closure stroke of the closure tube 3120. Stated another way, the elongate spur gear 2930 is operably engaged with the ring gear 2920 when the closure tube 3120 is in its open position (FIGS. 13C and 27-29), its closed position (FIG. 13D), and all positions there between. As a result, the rotation drive system 2900 can be used to rotate the shaft assembly 4000 about the longitudinal axis LA when the second jaw 4220 is in its open position, its closed position, and all partially closed positions there between. In various instances, as a result, the elongate spur gear 2930 is as least as long as the closure stroke of the closure tube 3120.

As discussed above, the shaft assembly 4000 of the surgical instrument 1000 is configured to staple and incise the tissue captured between the staple cartridge 4230 positioned in the first jaw 4210 and the anvil of the second jaw 4220. Referring primarily to FIGS. 20 and 28, the housing assembly 2000 comprises a firing drive system 2500 configured to advance a firing drive 3500 distally through the end effector 4200 to staple and incise the tissue. The firing drive system 2500 comprises a rotatable drive input 2550 which is operably engageable with a rotary output of the robotic surgical system. The rotatable drive input 2550 extends into an opening 2150 (FIG. 22) defined in the housing 2100 of the housing assembly 2000. The drive input 2550 comprises a shaft which is rotatably supported by the housing 2100 and is rotatable in a first direction to advance the firing drive 3500 distally and, also, a second direction to retract the firing drive 3500 proximally.

The firing drive system 2500 further comprises a first bevel gear 2540 fixedly mounted to the drive input 2550 such that the first bevel gear 2540 rotates with the drive input 2550. The firing drive system 2500 further comprises a second bevel gear 2530 meshingly engaged with the first bevel gear 2540 such that the second bevel gear 2530 is rotated by the first bevel gear 2540. The second bevel gear 2530 is fixedly mounted to a transfer shaft 2520 such that the transfer shaft 2520 rotates with the second bevel gear 2530. The transfer shaft 2520, or at least an end of the transfer shaft 2520, is rotatably supported by the housing 2100. The firing drive system 2500 also comprises a pinion gear 2510 fixedly mounted to the transfer shaft 2520 such that the pinion gear 2510 rotates with the transfer shaft 2520. The pinion gear 2510 is meshingly engaged with a rack 3510 of the firing drive 3500 which is driven proximally and distally by the firing drive system 2500, as described in greater detail below.

Referring primarily to FIG. 26, the rack 3510 of the firing drive 3500 is slidably positioned in an aperture 2190 defined in the housing 2100 of the housing assembly 2000. The rack 3510 comprises a first longitudinal array of teeth 3514 defined on a first lateral side thereof and a second longitudinal array of teeth 3514 defined on a second lateral side thereof. The pinion gear 2510 of the firing drive system 2500, described above, is meshingly engaged with the first longitudinal array of teeth 3514. As described in greater detail below, the second longitudinal array of teeth 3514 is selectively engageable by a firing drive bailout system. When the drive input 2550 of the firing drive system 2500 is rotated in a first direction by the robotic surgical system, the rack 3510 is advanced distally. Correspondingly, the rack 3510 is retracted proximally when the drive input 2550 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction.

Referring primarily to FIG. 6, further to the above, the firing drive 3500 further comprises a firing rod 4510 and a firing bar 4520. The rack 3510 of the firing drive 3500 comprises a distal end 3512 which is operably engaged with a proximal end 4512 of the firing rod 4510 such that the rack 3510 and the firing rod 4510 translate together. Notably, the interconnection between the rack 3510 and the firing rod 4510 permits the firing rod 4510 to rotate relative to the rack 3510 when the shaft assembly 4000 is rotated relative to the housing assembly 2000 as described above. The firing rod 4510 further comprises a distal end 4514 engaged with a proximal end 4524 of the firing bar 4520 such that the firing rod 4510 and the firing bar 4520 translate together.

The firing bar 4520 comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending parallel layers; however, embodiments are envisioned in which the firing bar 4520 is comprised of a solid piece of material. The firing bar 4520 further comprises a cutting member 4530 at the distal end thereof. The cutting member 4530 comprises a sharpened knife edge, but can comprise any suitable means for cutting tissue. When the firing drive 3500 is advanced distally by the firing drive system 2500 during a firing stroke, the cutting member 4530 incises the tissue captured between the anvil of the second jaw 4220 and the staple cartridge 4230. Moreover, the cutting member 4530 pushes a staple firing sled positioned within the staple cartridge 4230 distally during the firing stroke to eject the staples from the staple cartridge 4230. In various instances, the staple firing sled may not be retracted with the cutting member 4530 when the cutting member 4530 is retracted after the firing stroke. In alternative embodiments, the staple firing sled can be integrally formed with the cutting member 4530. In such embodiments, the staple firing sled is retracted with the cutting member 4530.

The cutting member 4530 also comprises a first cam configured to engage the first jaw 4210 and a second cam configured to engage the second jaw 4220. The first and second cams co-operatively hold the second jaw 4220 in position relative to the staple cartridge 4230 during the firing stroke. In such instances, the firing drive 3500 can control the forming height of the staples being formed against the anvil of the second jaw 4220. In some embodiments, the first and second cams of the cutting member 4530 can be used to close the second jaw 4220 during a closure stroke and then hold the second jaw 4220 relative to the first jaw 4210 during the firing stroke. In either event, the second jaw 4220 cannot be re-opened to its fully open position to release the tissue from the end effector 4200 until the cutting member 4530 has been sufficiently retracted. In alternative embodiments, the cutting member 4530 does not comprise the first and second cams. In such embodiments, the second jaw 4220 can be opened to release the tissue from the end effector 4200 prior to the cutting member 4530 being retracted.

In various instances, the robotic surgical system may not be able to retract the firing drive 3500 completely, or at all. Such instances can arise when the robotic surgical system is not operating properly. Such instances can also arise when the surgical instrument 1000 has been operably decoupled from the robotic surgical system. In either event, turning now to FIGS. 30-32, the surgical instrument comprises a firing system bailout 2700. The firing system bailout 2700 is contained in the housing assembly 2000, but can be located at any suitable location on the surgical instrument 1000. The firing system bailout 2700 comprises a ratchet including a pawl 2710 and a handle 2720. The pawl 2710 is rotatably mounted to the handle 2720 about a pivot 2715 and the handle 2720 is rotatably mounted to the housing 2100 about a pivot 2725. The firing system bailout 2700 is rotatable from a disengaged, or deactivated, configuration (FIG. 30) to an engaged, or activated, configuration (FIG. 31) in which the pawl 2710 is operably engaged with the second longitudinal rack of teeth 3514 of the rack 3510, as discussed above. At such point, referring to FIG. 32, the handle 2720 can be manually rotated, or cranked, by a clinician to retract the rack 3510, the firing rod 4510, and the firing bar 4520. One or more cranks of the handle 2720 can be sufficient to retract the cutting member 4530 out of engagement with the second jaw 4220 to permit the second jaw 4220 to be sufficiently opened.

Further to the above, the robotic surgical instrument can be used to open the second jaw 4220 after the firing drive 3500 has been sufficiently retracted, or bailed out. If one or both of the first and second linear actuators of the robotic surgical system are not operating properly, or the surgical instrument 1000 has been operably detached from the robotic surgical system, the closure system can be bailed out in one or more manners as discussed below.

As discussed above, referring to FIGS. 20-22, the first slider 3710 and the second slider 3720 are coupled to one another by the pinion gear 2896. In the event that the first linear actuator 3710 engaged with the first slider 3710 malfunctions and/or the first slider 3710 becomes jammed, for example, the closure system can become jammed or otherwise inoperable. When the first slider 3710 is stuck in its proximal, or actuated, position, the end effector 4200 can be locked in its closed configuration and unreleasable from the tissue. In such instances, referring to FIG. 23, the pinion gear 2896 can be manually lifted out of engagement with the racks 3716 and 3726 by the bailout pin 2890 extending from the housing 2100. Once the pinion gear 2896 has been disengaged from the racks 3716 and 3726, the sliders 3710 and 3720 are operably decoupled from one another and can be moved independently of one another. As a result, the second slider 3720 can be moved proximally to open the end effector 4200. In various instances, the robotic surgical system can move the second slider 3720 proximally or, alternatively, the second slider 3720 can be moved manually by a clinician. Once the bailout pin 2890 has been actuated, the second slider 3720 can also be manually moved distally by a clinician to re-close the end effector 4200, if needed. As a result of the above, this closure system bailout can be operated in a first direction to open the end effector 4200 and a second direction to close the end effector 4200.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument 1000 further comprises a spine extending through the transmission assembly 3000 and the shaft assembly 4000. Referring to FIG. 7, the spine comprises a proximal portion 3112 in the transmission assembly 3100. Referring to FIG. 6, the spine further comprises a spine assembly in the shaft assembly 4000 including a connector portion 4112 operably engaged with the proximal portion 3112, an elongate portion 4114 engaged with the connector portion 4112, a cap portion 4116 attached to the elongate portion 4114, and distal articulation joint mounts 4117 and 4118 attached to the elongate portion 4114. The first jaw 4210 of the end effector 4200 is rotatably connected to the articulation joint mounts 4117 and 4118 to form the articulation joint 2300. The spine portions 3112, 4112, 4114, and 4116, the mounts 4117 and 4118, and the first jaw 4210 are attached to one another such that they rotate together when the shaft assembly 4000 is rotated about the longitudinal axis LA, as discussed above. In addition, the second jaw 4220 is attached to the first jaw 4210 such that the second jaw 4220 rotates with the first jaw 4210 about the longitudinal axis LA. Moreover, the components of the spine are attached to one another in a manner which permits the spine to be translated proximally and/or distally, as described in greater detail below.

The housing 3100 of the transmission assembly 3000 is fixedly mounted to the housing 2100 of the housing assembly 2000. In at least one instance, the housing 3100 is fastened to the housing 2100. In certain other instances, the housing 3100 is integrally formed with the housing 2100. In either event, the housing 3100 does not rotate relative to the housing 2100, although embodiments are envisioned in which the Referring now to FIGS. 14-18, the shaft assembly 1000 further comprises another closure system bailout, i.e., closure system bailout 2800, which is configured to open and/or close the end effector 4200. Unlike the closure system bailout discussed above which moves the closure tubes 3120 and 4120 relative to the spine of the surgical instrument 1000, the closure system bailout 2800 moves the spine relative to the closure tubes 3120 and 4120. Stated another way, the closure system bailout 2800 moves the cam surface 4229 of the second jaw 4220 toward and away from the cam 4129 of the closure tube 4120 to open and close the second jaw 4220. As a result of the above, the closure system bailout 2800 can be operated in a first direction to open the end effector 4200 and a second direction to close the end effector 4200. The closure system bailouts can be used independently of one another or co-operatively.

The closure system bailout 2800 comprises a rotatable actuator, or thumbwheel, 2860 rotatably mounted by the housing 2100. The closure system bailout 2800 further comprises a spur gear 2850 fixedly mounted to the actuator 2860 such that the spur gear 2850 rotates with the actuator 2860 and, in addition, a spur gear 2840 meshingly engaged with the spur gear 2850. The spur gear 2840 is fixedly mounted to a shaft 2830 of the closure system bailout 2800 which is rotatably supported by the housing 2100 of the housing assembly 2000 and/or the housing 3100 of the transmission assembly 3000. The shaft 2830 comprises a threaded distal end which is threadably engaged with a drive nut 2820 slidably mounted within the housing 3100. When the shaft 2830 is rotated in a first direction by the actuator 2860, the drive nut 2820 is translated distally. Correspondingly, the drive nut 2820 is translated proximally when the shaft 2830 is rotated in a second direction by the actuator 2860. The drive nut 2820 is engaged with a drive flange 2810 extending from the spine of the surgical instrument 1000 such that the spine translates with the drive nut 2820. That said, the drive nut 2820 and the drive flange 2810 are configured to permit relative rotational movement there between such that the spine can rotate with the shaft assembly 4000 as discussed above.

As discussed above, the closure bailout system 2800 can be operated in a first direction to bailout the surgical instrument 1000 into a first condition, or configuration, and a second direction to bailout the surgical instrument 1000 into a second condition, or configuration. Moreover, the closure bailout system 2800 is configured to manipulate the end effector 4200 between open and closed configurations regardless of whether the robotic surgical system is operating and/or properly operating the first and second sliders 3710 and 3720 of the slider assembly 3700. That said, the bailout of the slider assembly 3700 can be released prior to operating, and/or during the operation of, the closure bailout system 2800. Stated another way, the pinion gear 2896 can be disengaged from the slider assembly 3700 to relieve the tissue clamping pressure within the end effector 4200 which can reduce the force required to be applied to the thumbwheel 2896 to operate the closure bailout system 2800.

In various alternative embodiments, the closure bailout system 2800, or a closure bailout system similar to the closure bailout system 2800 can be configured to move the closure system through its closing stroke and/or its opening stroke. For instance, the closure bailout system 2800 can be operated in a first direction to move the closure tubes 3120 and 4120 distally and a second direction to move the closure tubes 3120 and 4120 proximally.

As discussed above, referring primarily to FIGS. 3 and 4, the shaft assembly 4000 is operably attachable to and detachable from the transmission assembly 3000 of the surgical instrument 1000. The shaft assembly 4000 comprises a proximal connection portion 4900 that is operably engageable with a distal connection portion 3900 of the transmission assembly 3000. Referring primarily to FIG. 5, the interconnection between the connection portions 3900 and 4900 is made by translating the connection portion 4900 into engagement with the connection portion 3900, or vice versa. In at least one instance, the shaft assembly 4000 is moved transversely or orthogonally relative to the longitudinal axis LA of the surgical instrument 1000 to couple and decouple the shaft assembly 4000 to the transmission assembly 3000.

When the shaft assembly 4000 is assembled to the transmission assembly 3000, the respective components of the spine, the closure system, the articulation system, the articulation lock system, and the firing system of the transmission assembly 3000 and the shaft assembly 4000 are operably engaged at the same time. For instance, referring to FIG. 8, the distal end 3112 of the spine 3110 is engaged with the proximal end 4112 of the spring 4110, the distal end 3122 of the closure tube 3120 is engaged with the proximal end 4122 of the closure tube 4120, the distal end 3512 of the rack 3510 is engaged with the proximal end 4512 of the firing member 4510, the distal end 3612 of the articulation lock 3610 is engaged with the proximal end 4612 of the articulation lock 4610, and the distal ends 3412 and 3422 of the articulation drivers 3410 and 3420 are engaged with the proximal ends 4412 and 4422 of the articulation drivers 4410 and 4420, respectively.

Further to the above, referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the shaft assembly 4000 comprises a shaft lock 4124 which is configured to engage a shaft lock 3124 on the transmission assembly 3000 and lock the shaft assembly 4000 to the transmission assembly 3000 such that the connection portions 3900 and 4900 of the transmission assembly 3000 and shaft assembly 4000, respectively, remain engaged with each other until the shaft lock 4124 is disengaged from the shaft lock 3124. The shaft lock 4124 is translatable distally away from the shaft lock 3124 to unlock the shaft assembly 4000 from the transmission assembly 3000. At such point, the shaft assembly 4000 can be translated laterally away and decoupled from the transmission assembly 3000. In such instances, the shaft assembly 4000 can be replaced with another shaft assembly and the surgical instrument 1000 can be used once again. Moreover, the staple cartridge 4300 can be replaced within the end effector 4200 by another staple cartridge. As a result, the surgical instrument 1000 comprises several layers of modularity.

A surgical instrument 5000 is illustrated in FIGS. 33-66. The surgical instrument 5000 is similar to the surgical instrument 1000 in many respects, most of which will not be discussed herein for the sake of brevity. Referring primarily to FIGS. 33 and 34, the surgical instrument 5000 comprises a housing assembly 6000, a transmission assembly 7000 mounted to the housing assembly 6000, and a shaft assembly 8000 releasably attached to the transmission assembly 7000. The housing assembly 6000 is similar to the housing assembly 2000 in many respects. For instance, the housing assembly 6000 comprises a housing 6100, a drive system 2900 which is configured to rotate the shaft assembly 8000 about its lots longitudinal axis LA, and a firing drive system 6500, which are discussed in greater detail below. The transmission assembly 7000 is similar to the transmission assembly 3000 in many respects. For instance, the transmission assembly 7000 comprises a housing 7100, a slider assembly 7700, and a distal connection portion 7900, which are discussed in greater detail below. The shaft assembly 8000 is similar to the shaft assembly 4000 in many respects. For instance, the shaft assembly 8000 comprises a shaft 4100, an end effector 4200, an articulation joint 4300, and a proximal connection portion 8900, which are discussed in greater detail below.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 35-41, the proximal connection portion 8900 of the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably connected to the distal connection portion 7900 of the transmission assembly 7000. More particularly, the shaft assembly 8000 is rotated relative to the transmission assembly 7000 in order to couple the shaft assembly 8000 to the transmission assembly 7000. Referring primarily to FIG. 41, the transmission assembly 7000 comprises a spine portion 7110 that is engaged with a spine portion 8110 of the shaft assembly 8000. Unlike the spine of the surgical instrument 1000, the spine of the surgical instrument 5000 is not translatable proximally and distally, but it could be in alternative embodiments. Referring to FIG. 43, the proximal end of the spine portion 7110 comprises a flange 7111 extending therefrom which is closely received in a lateral slot 7101 defined in the transmission housing 7100 which prevents the spine from moving proximally and distally relative to the transmission housing 7100. That said, the flange 7111 and the lateral slot 7101 are configured to permit rotational motion between the spine portion 7110 and the transmission housing 7100 so that the shaft assembly 8000 can rotate relative to the transmission assembly 7000.

Further to the above, referring again to FIG. 41, the spine portion 7110 is comprised of two lateral portions 7112 which are coupled together by a connector 7114 (FIG. 37). Such an arrangement can facilitate the assembly of the components of the transmission assembly 7000; however, embodiments are envisioned in which the spine portion 7110 is comprised of a solid piece of material. Similarly, the spine portion 8110 is comprised of two lateral portions 8112 which are coupled together. Also, similarly, such an arrangement can facilitate the assembly of the components of the shaft assembly 8000, although embodiments are envisioned in which the spine portion 8110 is comprised of a solid piece of material. Each lateral spine portion 7112 comprises a distal end including at least one hook connector 7111 extending therefrom and, also, each lateral spine portion 8112 comprises a distal end including at least one hook connector 8111 extending therefrom. When the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably assembled to the transmission assembly 7000, the hook connectors 8111 engage the hook connectors 7111. In such instances, the spine portion 8110 is locked to the spine portion 7110 such that there is little, if any, relative longitudinal movement there between.

Further to the above, referring again to FIG. 41, each lateral portion 7112 comprises at least one stop 7113 extending therefrom. Similarly, each lateral portion 8112 comprises at least one stop 8113 extending therefrom. When the spine portion 8110 of the shaft assembly 8000 is rotated relative to the spine portion 7110 of the transmission assembly 7000, the stops 7113 and 8113 can co-operate to limit the rotational movement between the spine portion 8110 and the spine portion 7110. Referring primarily to FIGS. 39 and 40, the shaft assembly 8000 comprises a shaft lock 8124 which is configured to engage a shaft lock 7124 of the transmission assembly 7100 and hold the spine portions 7110 and 8110 together. After the shaft assembly 8000 has been rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000, the shaft lock 8124 can be slid proximally along the longitudinal axis LA to engage the shaft lock 7124. The shaft lock 8124 comprises flexible lock members 8923 which are configured to be inserted into lock windows 7123 defined in the shaft lock 7124. In various instances, the lock members 8923 can engage a ledge defined in the shaft lock 7124 in a snap-fit and/or press-fit manner to couple the shaft locks 7124 and 8124 together. In some instances, the shaft lock 8124 may need to be at least partially rotated relative to the shaft lock 7124 to lock the shaft locks 7124 and 8124 together. In any event, once engaged, the shaft locks 7124 and 8124 prevent the spine portions 7110 and 8100 from becoming unintentionally uncoupled. In order to uncouple the spine portions 7110 and 8110, button portions 8920 of the lock members 8923 can be depressed by a clinician to disengage the lock members 8923 from the shaft lock 7124. Referring primarily to FIG. 40, each lock member 8923 comprises an end 8925 fixedly mounted to the shaft lock 8124 such that the lock members 8923 are flexed, or cantilevered, inwardly when the button portions 8920 are depressed. At such point, the shaft assembly 8000 can be rotatably detached from the transmission assembly 7000. When the button portions 8920 are released, the lock member 8923 can resiliently return to their unflexed positions.

Further to the above, the shaft locks 7124 and 8124 are also configured to hold together interconnections within the closure system, the articulation system, the articulation lock system, and the firing system of the surgical instrument 5000 when the shaft lock 8124 is engaged with the shaft lock 7124. Each such system, referring primarily to FIG. 41, comprises a portion within the transmission assembly 7000 and a portion within the shaft assembly 8000 that are operably engaged at the interface between the distal connection portion 7900 and the proximal connection portion 8900 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000, as described in greater detail below.

The articulation system of the surgical instrument 5000 is similar to the articulation system of the surgical instrument 1000 in many respects. Referring primarily to FIGS. 35 and 37, the transmission assembly 7000 comprises a first articulation driver 7410 and a second articulation driver 7420 which are similar to the first articulation driver 3410 and the second articulation driver 3420, respectively. Similarly, the shaft assembly 8000 comprises a first articulation driver 8410 and a second articulation driver 8420 which are similar to the first articulation driver 4410 and the second articulation driver 4420, respectively. Notably, though, the first articulation driver 7410 comprises a distal end 7412 which is rotatably coupled to a proximal end 8412 of the articulation driver 8410 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000. Similarly, the second articulation driver 7420 comprises a distal end 7422 which is rotatably coupled to a proximal end 8422 of the articulation driver 8420 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000.

The articulation lock system of the surgical instrument 5000 is similar to the articulation lock system of the surgical instrument 1000 in many respects. Referring again to FIGS. 35 and 37, the transmission assembly 7000 comprises a proximal lock portion 7610 which is similar to the proximal lock portion 3610. Similarly, the shaft assembly 8000 comprises a distal lock portion 8610 which is similar to the distal lock portion 4610. Notably, though, the proximal lock portion 7610 comprises a distal end 7612 which is rotatably coupled to a proximal end 8612 of the distal lock portion 8610 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000.

The closure system of the surgical instrument 5000 is similar to the closure system of the surgical instrument 1000 in many respects. Referring to FIGS. 35, 37, and 39, the transmission assembly 7000 comprises a closure tube 7120 which is similar to the closure tube 3120 in many respects. Similarly, the shaft assembly 8000 comprises a closure tube 8120 which is similar to the closure tube 4120 in many respects. Notably, though, the closure tube 7120 comprises a distal end 7122 which is rotatably coupled to a proximal end 8122 of the closure tube 8120 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000. Referring primarily to FIG. 39, the distal end 7122 of the closure tube 7120 comprises one or more bayonet, or twist-to-lock, slots 7121 defined therein. The proximal end 8122 of the closure tube 8120 comprises one or more bayonet projections which are configured to be translated into the slots 7121 and then rotated to seat them in the slots 7121 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000. The distal end 7122 comprises two bayonet slots 7121 positioned on opposite sides thereof and the proximal end 8122 comprises two corresponding bayonet projections positioned on opposite sides thereof, but the ends 7122 and 8122 of the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 can include any suitable number of bayonet slots 7121 and projections.

Similar to the above, a firing system 7500 of the surgical instrument 5000 is similar to the firing system 3500 of the surgical instrument 1000 in many respects. Referring to FIGS. 35, 37, and 39, the transmission assembly 7000 comprises a firing rod 7510 which is similar to the rack 3510 in many respects. Similarly, the shaft assembly 8000 comprises a firing member 8510 which is similar to the firing member 4510 in many respects. Notably, though, the firing rod 7510 comprises a distal end 7512 which is rotatably coupled to a proximal end 8512 of the firing member 8510 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000. Referring primarily to FIG. 39, the distal end 7512 of the firing rod 7510 comprises one or more bayonet, or twist-to-lock, slots 7511 defined therein. The proximal end 8512 of the firing member 8510 comprises one or more bayonet projections 8511 which are configured to be translated into the slots 7511 and then rotated to seat them in the slots 7511 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000. The distal end 7512 of the firing rod 7510 comprises two bayonet slots 7511 positioned on opposite sides thereof and the proximal end 8512 of the firing member 8510 comprises two corresponding bayonet projections 8511 positioned on opposite sides thereof. That said, the ends 7512 and 8512 of the firing rod 7510 and firing member 8510 can include any suitable number of bayonet slots 7511 and projections 8511.

As discussed above, referring again to FIG. 41, the interconnections within the closure system, the articulation system, the articulation lock system, and the firing system are operably engageable at the interface between the distal connection portion 7900 and the proximal connection portion 8900 when the shaft assembly 8000 is rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 7000. In various instances, each of these systems is in a home state when the shaft assembly 8000 is assembled to the transmission assembly 7000 which can allow the shaft assembly 8000 to be easily assembled to the transmission assembly 7000. For instance, embodiments are contemplated in which the home state of the closure system, the articulation system, the articulation lock system, and/or the firing system occurs at the beginning or end of the system strokes. In at least one such instance, the home state of the closure system of the surgical instrument 5000 is at the beginning of the closure stroke when the end effector 4200 is in its fully open position. Similarly, in at least one such instance, the home state of the firing system of the surgical instrument 5000 is at the beginning, or unfired position, of the firing stroke.

The above being said, designing the systems of the surgical instrument 5000 such that they are coupled and/or decoupled at the beginning or end of their system strokes may have certain drawbacks. For instance, the interconnection between the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 may be laterally unconstrained at the beginning of the closure system stroke and, as a result, the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 may be prone to uncoupling as the closure system is loaded at the beginning of its closure stroke if the home state for coupling and decoupling the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 is at the beginning of the closure stroke. Moreover, the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 may be prone to uncoupling at the end of the closure stroke—where the loading in the closure system may be at a peak level—if the home state for coupling or decoupling the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 is at the end of the closure stroke. Similarly, the interconnection between the firing rod 7510 and the firing member 8510 may be laterally unconstrained at the beginning of the firing system stroke and, as a result, the firing rod 7510 and firing member 8510 may be prone to uncoupling as the firing system is loaded at the beginning of its firing stroke if the home state for coupling and decoupling the firing rod 7510 and the firing member 8510 is at the beginning of the firing stroke. Moreover, the firing rod 7510 and the firing member 8510 may be prone to uncoupling at certain points within the firing stroke in which the firing system experiences high or peak loading. As described in greater detail below, designing the various systems of the surgical instrument 5000 such that their coupling or decoupling home states are not at the beginning or end of their system strokes, or aligned with their peak loading points, can reduce the unintended coupling of their systems.

The above being said, the home state for coupling and decoupling the closure tube 7120 and 8120 of the surgical instrument 5000 is intermediate the beginning and the end of the closure stroke. After the closure tube 8120 has been operably coupled to the closure tube 7120, the closure system can be retracted proximally to its unactuated, or open, position to align the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 with the beginning of the closure stroke. At such point, the interconnection between the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 is constrained from deflecting laterally by the spine of the surgical instrument 5000. During the closure stroke, the interconnection between the closure tubes 7120 and 8120 will pass by the home state of the closure system; however, the home state can be selected such that it is aligned with a low loading condition of the closure system. In order to decouple the closure tubes 7120 and 8120, the closure system is returned to its home state.

As discussed above, the articulation lock system and the closure system of the surgical instrument 5000 are operably coupled such that they move in tandem. As such, the home state of the articulation lock system of the surgical instrument 5000 is between the beginning and the end of its articulation lock stroke. In at least one instance, the articulation lock portion 8610 is operably coupled to and decoupled with the articulation lock 7610 when the closure tube 8120 is operably coupled to and decoupled with the closure tube 7120 at a location which is not at the beginning or end of the articulation lock and closure strokes. That said, embodiments are envisioned in which the articulation lock system and the closure system of a surgical instrument are operated independently and, in at least one such embodiment, can have different and/or independent home positions.

The above being said, the home state for coupling and decoupling the firing rod 7510 and the firing member 8510 of the surgical instrument 5000 is intermediate the beginning and the end of the firing stroke. After the firing member 8510 has been operably coupled to the firing rod 7510, the firing system can be retracted proximally to its unactuated, or unfired, position to align the firing rod 7510 and firing member 8510 with the beginning of the firing stroke. At such point, the interconnection between the firing rod 7510 and firing member 8510 is constrained from deflecting laterally by the spine of the surgical instrument 5000. During the firing stroke, the interconnection between the firing rod 7510 and the firing member 8510 will pass by the home state of the firing system; however, the home state can be selected such that it is aligned with a low loading condition of the firing system. In order to decouple the firing rod 7510 and firing member 8510, the firing system is returned to its home state.

Similar to the above, the home state for the articulation system of the surgical instrument 5000 can be selected to prevent the accidental decoupling of the articulation drivers 7410, 7420, 8410, and 8420. In certain instances, the articulation system can be configured such that the articulation drivers 7410, 7420, 8410, and 8420 are coupled and decoupled when the end effector 4200 is in its unarticulated configuration. In other instances, the articulation system can be configured such that the articulation drivers 7410, 7420, 8410, and 8420 are coupled and decoupled when the end effector 4200 is partially articulated between its unarticulated configuration and a fully-articulated configuration. In such instances, the articulation drivers 7410, 7420, 8410, and 8420 are coupled and decoupled when the end effector is not in is unarticulated position or a fully-articulated position. Similar to the above, the end effector 4200 may sweep through its home position when the end effector 4200 is being articulated.

Alternatively, the home position of the closure system, the articulation system, the articulation lock system, and/or the firing system is not within the operating stroke of these systems. In such instances, the coupling and decoupling points of one or more of these systems is outside of their operating zones. For instance, the home state of the closure system can be positioned proximal to the beginning of the closure stroke. In such instances, the closure tube 8120 is coupled to the closure tube 7120 in a home state of the closure system and then advanced distally into the unactuated, or open, position of the closure system. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the firing member 8510 can be coupled to the firing rod 7510 in a home state of the firing system and then advanced distally into the unfired position of the firing system. In various instances, the components of these systems have sufficient flexibility to accommodate such out-of-range assembly and disassembly positions. In at least one instance, there is sufficient slop in the systems to accommodate such assembly and disassembly positions. In some instances, the systems are capable of sufficiently stretching to accommodate such assembly and disassembly positions.

In various instances, further to the above, the robotic surgical system can be configured to move the systems of the surgical instrument 5000 from their home positions to their beginning of stroke, unactuated, or neutral positions, as the case may be, once the shaft assembly 8000 has been operably attached to the transmission assembly 7000. In at least one instance, the robotic surgical system and/or surgical instrument 5000 comprises a home-to-ready button and/or control that instructs the controller of the robotic surgical system to move the closure system to its open position, the articulation system to its unarticulated position, the articulation lock system to its unlocked position, and the firing system to its unfired position. Similarly, the robotic surgical system can be configured to move the systems of the surgical instrument 5000 to their home positions so that the shaft assembly 8000 can be disassembled from the transmission assembly 7000. In at least one instance, the robotic surgical system and/or surgical instrument 5000 comprises a home button and/or control that instructs the controller of the robotic surgical system to move the closure system, the articulation system, the articulation lock system, and the firing system to their home positions.

The robotic surgical system and/or the surgical instrument 5000 can comprise a control system configured to detect the assembly and/or disassembly of the shaft assembly 8000 and the transmission assembly 7000. In at least one instance, the control system comprises a microprocessor and the transmission housing 7100 comprises one or more sensors in signal communication with the microprocessor which are configured to detect when the shaft assembly 8000 is unassembled to the transmission assembly 7000, partially assembled to the transmission assembly 7000, and/or fully assembled to the transmission assembly 7000. The control system is programmed to interpret this sensed information according to an algorithm to determine if the shaft assembly 8000 is being assembled to the transmission assembly 7000 or if the shaft assembly 8000 is being disassembled from the transmission assembly 7000. For instance, the control system can interpret that the shaft assembly 8000 is being assembled to the transmission assembly 7000 if the sensors detect a partially assembled condition of the shaft assembly 8000 after detecting an unassembled condition of the shaft assembly 8000. Similarly, the control system can interpret that the shaft assembly 8000 is being disassembled from the transmission assembly 7000 if the sensors detect a partially assembled condition of the shaft assembly 8000 after detecting a fully assembled condition of the shaft assembly 8000.

When the control system detects that the shaft assembly 8000 is being assembled to the transmission assembly 7000, further to the above, the control system can automatically position the closure, articulation, articulation locking, and/or firing systems of the transmission assembly 7000 in their home conditions to facilitate the assembly of the shaft assembly 8000 to the transmission assembly 7000. Once the control system detects that the shaft assembly 8000 has been fully assembled to the transmission assembly 7000, the control system can automatically set the closure system to its unactuated condition, the articulation system to its unarticulated condition, the articulation lock system to its unlocked condition, and/or the firing system to its unfired condition.

When the control system detects that the shaft assembly 8000 is being disassembled from the transmission assembly 7000, further to the above, the control system can automatically position the closure, articulation, articulation locking, and/or firing systems of the transmission assembly 7000 in their home conditions to facilitate the disassembly of the shaft assembly 8000 from the transmission assembly 7000. The above being said, embodiments are envisioned in which the control system does not automatically change the condition of one or more of the closure, articulation, articulation lock, and firing systems. In at least one such embodiment, the control system can comprise one or more switches or inputs in which the automatic control features of the closure system, the articulation system, the articulation lock system, and/or the firing system can be selectively activated, deactivated, and/or re-activated.

In various instances, referring to FIG. 39, the transmission assembly 7000 and/or the shaft assembly 8000 comprises one or more sensors configured to detect the rotation of the shaft assembly 8000 relative to the transmission assembly 7000 to determine whether the shaft assembly 8000 is being assembled to or disassembled from the transmission assembly 7000. In certain instances, the transmission assembly 7000 and/or the shaft assembly 8000 comprises one or more sensors configured to detect the depression of the button portions 8920 and/or the actuation of the lock members 8923 to determine whether the shaft assembly 8000 is being assembled to or disassembled from the transmission assembly 7000. In at least one instance, the control system can be configured to evaluate more than one condition of the surgical instrument 5000, such as the rotation of the shaft assembly 8000 relative to the transmission assembly 7000 and the depression of the button portions 8920, for example, to determine whether the shaft assembly 8000 is being assembled to or disassembled from the transmission assembly 7000. Such an arrangement can reduce the possibility of inaccurate assessments of the surgical instrument 5000, among other things.

As described herein, instances will arise when the movable components of the shaft assembly 8000 will not be aligned with the corresponding movable components of the transmission assembly 7000 when the shaft assembly 8000 is assembled to the transmission assembly 7000. In some instances, the movable components of the transmission assembly 7000 and the shaft assembly 8000 have enough float, or slop, therein which permits such components to align, or self-adjust, themselves during the assembly of the shaft assembly to the transmission assembly 7000. In other instances, one or more of the systems of the surgical instrument 5000 is manually manipulatable to align the movable components of the transmission assembly 7000 and the shaft assembly 8000. As discussed herein, the housing assembly 6000 and/or the transmission assembly 7000 comprise one or more bailout systems which can be manually manipulated to align the movable components of the surgical instrument 5000.

As discussed above, the transmission assembly 7000 comprises a slider assembly 7700 which is configured to receive linear inputs from a robotic surgical instrument to operate the closure and articulation systems of the surgical instrument 5000. The slider assembly 7700 is similar to the slider assembly 3700 in many respects. For instance, referring to FIGS. 42-50, the slider assembly 7700 comprises a first slider 7710, the second slider 3720, the third slider 3730, and the fourth slider 3740. Similar to the slider assembly 3700, referring to FIG. 43, the second slider 3720 of the slider assembly 7700 is engaged with the drive disc 3820 of the drive disc array 3800 and is movable proximally to open the end effector 4200. Unlike the first slider 3710 of the slider assembly 3700, however, the first slider 7710 of the slider assembly 7700 is also directly engaged with the drive disc 3820, as illustrated in FIG. 44. As a result, the first slider 7710 and the second slider 3720 of the slider assembly 7700 move in the same direction. In order to pull the first and second sliders 7710 and 3720 distally to close the end effector 4200, one of the first and second linear actuators is attached to the first and second sliders 7710 and 3720 such that the robotic surgical system can apply a pulling force thereto. In at least one instance, the first linear actuator of the robotic surgical system is attached to a first input socket 7712 of the first slider 7710 so that the first linear actuator can pull the first slider 7710 proximally.

Further to the above, the second drive socket 3722 is fixedly mounted to the second slider 3720, the third drive socket 3732 is fixedly mounted to the third slider 3730, and the fourth drive socket 3742 is fixedly mounted to the fourth slider 3740. Referring to FIGS. 46-47C, however, the first drive socket 7712 is rotatably mounted to the first slider 7710 of the slider assembly 7700. The first drive socket 7712 comprises an arm, or link, 7714 that is rotatably mounted to the first slider 7710 about a post 7716 extending through an elongate aperture 7718 defined in an end of the arm 7714. Such an arrangement comprises a two-bar linkage, although any suitable arrangement can be used. As described in detail further below, the first slider 7710 can be manually manipulated to bailout the closure drive of the surgical instrument 5000.

In addition to being rotatably mounted to the first slider 7710, the first drive socket 7712 is also selectively pinned, or pinnable, to the transmission housing 7100 by a bailout pin 7790. The transmission housing 7100 comprises pin mounts 7414 extending therefrom which include pin apertures extending there through that are aligned with a pin aperture defined in the arm 7714 of the first drive socket 7712 when the bailout pin 7790 is engaged with the first drive socket 7712 and the housing 7100. The bailout pin 7790 comprises a pin shaft 7794 that extends through the pin apertures defined in the pin mounts 7414 and the first drive socket 7712 and prevents relative translation between the first drive socket 7712 and the transmission housing 7100. This arrangement, however, permits relative rotation between the first drive socket 7712 and the transmission housing 7100. For instance, referring to FIG. 47A, the first drive socket 7712 is rotated into a distal-rotated position when the first slider 7710 is pushed proximally. Moreover, referring to FIG. 47B, the first drive socket 7712 is rotated into a proximal-rotated position when the first slider 7710 is pushed distally.

Further to the above, referring to FIG. 48, the engagement between the first drive socket 7712 and the transmission housing 7100 can at least partially resist or constrain the movement of the first slider 7710 and the closure system. As a result, the bailout pin 7790 can hold clamping pressure within the end effector 4200 when the end effector 4200 is in its closed position. When the bailout pin 7790 is pulled, or disengaged, from the first drive socket 7712 by a clinician, as illustrated in FIG. 47C, the first drive socket 7712 is no longer coupled to the transmission housing 3100. In such instances, the first slider 7710 can react, or can be moved by the clinician, to release at least some of the clamping pressure within the end effector 4200, as illustrated in FIG. 49.

As discussed above, the slider assembly 7700 is also configured to operate the articulation system of the surgical instrument 5000. Referring to FIG. 43, the third slider 3730 is engaged with the drive disc 3830 which is engaged with the first articulation driver 7410 such that, when the third slider 3730 is moved proximally, the third slider 3730 drives the drive disc 3830 and the first articulation driver 7410 proximally to articulate the end effector 4200 in its first direction, i.e., to the right. Referring to FIG. 44, the fourth slider 3740 is engaged with the drive disc 3840 which is engaged with the second articulation driver 7420 such that, when the fourth slider 3740 is moved proximally, the fourth slider 3740 drives the drive disc 3840 and the second articulation driver 7420 proximally to articulate the end effector 4200 in its second direction, i.e., to the left.

Referring to FIGS. 51-65A, the surgical instrument 5000 further comprises an articulation system bailout 6800 which is configured to return the end effector 4200 to its unarticulated position. As described in greater detail below, the articulation system bailout 6800 is operable in a first direction to move the end effector 4200 from a right-articulated position (FIG. 62) to its unarticulated position (FIG. 64) and, also, operable in a second direction to move the end effector 4200 from a left-articulated position (FIG. 63) to its unarticulated position (FIG. 64). In various instances, the articulation system bailout 6800 can be used to change the articulated position of the end effector 4200 as needed. In any event, referring primarily to FIGS. 57 and 58, the articulation system bailout 6800 is positioned in the housing 6100 of the housing assembly 6000 and is accessible by opening a bailout door 6090 which is rotatably mounted to the housing 6100 about hinges 6020. The housing assembly 6000 comprises at least one lock or latch which is configured to releasably hold the bailout door 6090 in its closed position (FIG. 57) but releasably permit the bailout door 6090 to be rotated into its open position (FIG. 58).

Referring primarily to FIG. 65A, the articulation system bailout 6800 comprises a handle, or crank, 6810 which is rotatably mounted to the housing 6100 and, also, a spur gear 6820 fixedly mounted to the handle 6810. As a result, the handle 6810 and the spur gear 6820 are rotatable together. The articulation system bailout 6800 further comprises a spur gear 6830 fixedly mounted to a proximal end of a rotatable shaft 6840 which is rotatably supported within the housing 6100. As described in greater detail below, the spur gear 6820 is engageable with the spur gear 6830 such that rotational motion can be transmitted from the handle 6810 to the shaft 6840. The articulation system bailout 6800 further comprises a bevel gear 6850 fixedly mounted to a distal end of the shaft 6840 and, in addition, a bevel gear 6860 meshingly engaged with the bevel gear 6850. The bevel gear 6860 is fixedly mounted to a transfer shaft 6870 which is rotatably supported in the housing 6100 and extends orthogonally, or at least substantially orthogonally, to the shaft 6840. The articulation system bailout 6800 further comprises a pinion gear 6880 fixedly mounted to the transfer shaft 6870 which, as a result, rotates with the bevel gear 6860 and the transfer shaft 6870.

Further to the above, referring again to FIG. 65A, the third slider 3730 of the slider assembly 7700 comprises a rack 7730 extending proximally therefrom. Similarly, the fourth slider 3740 of the slider assembly 7700 comprises a rack 7740 extending proximally therefrom. Each rack 7730, 7740 comprises an inwardly-facing longitudinal rack of teeth which is meshingly engaged with the pinion gear 6880 of the articulation system bailout 6800. As a result, the third slider 3730 drives the fourth slider 3740 distally when the third slider 3730 is moved proximally to articulate the end effector 4200 to the right. Similarly, the fourth slider 3740 drives the third slider 3730 distally when the fourth slider 3740 is moved proximally to articulate the end effector 4200 to the left. Moreover, the articulation system bailout 6800 drives the third slider 3730 proximally and the fourth slider 3740 distally when the pinion gear 6880 is rotated in a first direction to articulate the end effector 4200 in its first direction, i.e., to the right, as illustrated in FIG. 66 and, correspondingly, the articulation system bailout 6800 drives the third slider 3730 distally and the fourth slider 3740 proximally when the pinion gear 6880 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction to articulate the end effector 4200 in its second direction, i.e., to the left.

As a result of the above, the articulation system bailout 6800 can be actuated in a first direction to bailout the articulation system in one direction and actuated in a second direction to bailout the articulation system in another direction. In various instances, the handle 6810 is rotated in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to drive the articulation system bailout 6800 in its first and second directions. Such a dual-direction bailout system can be adapted to any of the bailout systems disclosed herein and/or any other suitable bailout system of a surgical instrument.

As mentioned above, the spur gear 6820 of the articulation system bailout 6800 is engageable with the spur gear 6830. More specifically, the spur gear 6820 is held out of operable engagement with the spur gear 6830 when the bailout door 6090 is in its closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 61, and then operably engaged with the spur gear 6830 when the bailout door 6090 is opened, as illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 62-64. Referring primarily to FIG. 58, the bailout door 6090 comprises a standoff 6010 extending therefrom which is configured to displace the spur gear 6820, and the handle 6810, distally out of operable engagement with the spur gear 6830 and/or hold the spur gear 6820 out of operable engagement with the spur gear 6830 when the bailout door 6090 is in its closed position (FIG. 61). In such instances, the standoff 6010 is positioned intermediate the spur gear 6820 and a sidewall of the housing 6100. When the bailout door 6090 is opened, referring again to FIG. 58, the standoff 6010 is no longer positioned between the spur gear 6820 and the sidewall of the housing 6100. In such instances, the clinician can grab the handle 6810 and slide the handle 6810 distally to operably engage the spur gear 6820 with the spur gear 6830. In some embodiments, the articulation system bailout 6800 comprises a biasing member, such as a spring, for example, configured to bias the handle 6810 distally when the bailout door 6090 is opened and automatically couple the spur gear 6820 with the spur gear 6830.

Once the spur gear 6820 of the articulation system bailout 6800 is operably coupled with the spur gear 6830, the handle 6810 can be rotated in a first direction to articulate the end effector 4200 in its first direction, i.e., to the right, and in a second direction to articulate the end effector 4200 in its second direction, i.e., to the left, as discussed above. In various instances, the articulation system bailout 6800 is configured such that a quarter turn, or revolution, of the handle 6810 can articulate the end effector 4200 from its unarticulated position to its fully-right articulated position, for example. Similarly, in such instances, a quarter turn, or revolution, of the handle 6810 in the opposite direction can articulate the end effector 4200 from its unarticulated position to its fully-left articulated position. In other embodiments, the handle 6810 is rotatable less than a quarter turn or more than a quarter turn to fully articulate the end effector 4200 from its unarticulated position, i.e., to either its fully-right or fully-left articulated position. In at least one embodiment, the handle 6810 is rotated more than a full revolution to fully articulate the end effector 4200 from its unarticulated position, i.e., to either its fully-right or fully-left articulated position. In certain embodiments, the handle 6810 can comprise a two-directional ratchet, for example, configured so that the end effector 4200 can be fully articulated without having to rotate the handle 6810 through a large range of positions.

In various instances, further to the above, the clinician attempting to articulate the end effector 4200 to its unarticulated position using the articulation system bailout 6800 may not be able to see the end effector 4200 at the same time that they are using the articulation system bailout 6800. In at least one such instance, the end effector 4200 may still be positioned in a patient, for example. Without more, as a result, the clinician may not know the direction in which to turn the handle 6810 and/or how much to turn the handle 6810 in order to suitably position the end effector 4200. Referring primarily to FIG. 58, the surgical instrument 5000 further comprises an indicator 6890 which is configured to convey sufficient information to the clinician to return the end effector 4200 to its unarticulated position, for example. Referring now to FIG. 65A, the indicator 6890 is fixedly mounted to the transfer shaft 6870 and is rotatable with the transfer shaft 6870 when the transfer shaft 6870 is rotated by the racks 7730 and 7740 extending proximally from the third slider 3730 and the fourth slider 3740, respectively, and/or when the transfer shaft 6870 is rotated by the articulation system bailout 6800. Referring primarily to FIGS. 62-64, the housing 6100 of the housing assembly 6000 further comprises demarcations R, C, and L defined thereon and, when the end effector 4200 is in its unarticulated position (FIG. 64), the indicator 6890 points to the C, or center, demarcation. When the end effector 4200 is in its fully-right articulated position (FIG. 62), the indicator 6890 points to the R demarcation. Similarly, the indicator 6890 points to the L demarcation when the end effector 4200 is in its fully-left articulated position. Any other suitable arrangement and/or demarcations may be used. In at least one instance, the indicator comprises an electronic indicator, for example.

In various instances, the housing assembly 6000 can further comprise a detent which can at least inhibit the motion of the articulation system bailout 4200 once the end effector 4200 has reached its unarticulated, or centered, position. In certain instances, the detent can be configured to permit the end effector 4200 to pass through its unarticulated position to the opposite side but can provide some form of feedback to the clinician. In various instances, the feedback can be tactile and/or auditory, for example. In some instances, the housing assembly 6000 can comprise a hard stop which can prevent the end effector 4200 from being manually articulated past its unarticulated position.

Referring to FIGS. 51-56, the housing assembly 6000 of the surgical instrument 5000 comprises a firing drive system 6500 configured to advance and retract the firing drive 7500. The firing drive system 6500 comprises a rotatable drive input 6590 which is operably engageable with a rotary output of the robotic surgical instrument. The firing drive input 6590 is rotatably supported by the housing 6100 and is accessible through the opening 2150 defined in the housing 6100. The firing drive system 6500 further comprises a bevel gear 6580 fixedly mounted to the firing drive input 6590 such that the bevel gear 6580 rotates with the firing drive input 6590 and, in addition, a bevel gear 6570 meshingly engaged with the bevel gear 6580 such that the bevel gear 6570 is rotated by the bevel gear 6580.

Further to the above, the firing drive system 6500 further comprises a transfer shaft 6560 and a spur gear 6550. The bevel gear 6570 is fixedly mounted to the transfer shaft 6560 such that the transfer shaft 6560 is rotated by the bevel gear 6570. The transfer shaft 6560 is rotatably supported by the housing 6100 and the spur gear 6550 is fixedly mounted to the transfer shaft 6560 such that the spur gear 6550 rotates with the transfer shaft 6560. The firing drive system 6500 further comprises a spur gear 6540, a translatable shaft 6530, and a bevel gear 6520. The spur gear 6540 and the bevel gear 6520 are fixedly mounted to the translatable shaft 6530 and rotate with translatable shaft 6530. Referring to FIG. 54, the translatable shaft 6530 is positionable in a drive position in which the spur gear 6540 is meshingly engaged with the spur gear 6550 and, also, the bevel gear 6520 is meshingly engaged with a bevel gear 6510 threadably engaged with a threaded portion of the firing rod 7510 of the firing system 7500. In such a position of the translatable shaft 6530, the rotation of the firing drive input 6590 is transferrable to the firing rod 7510. In use, the firing rod 7510 is translated distally to perform a firing stroke when the bevel gear 6510 is rotated in a first direction by the robotic surgical system and translated proximally to perform a retraction stroke when the bevel gear 6510 is rotated in a second, or opposite, direction by the robotic surgical system.

Further to the above, referring to FIG. 55, the translatable shaft 6530 is slidably supported by the housing 6100 between its drive position, discussed above, and a bailed out position, discussed below. When the translatable shaft 6530 is moved into its bailed out position from its drive position, the bevel gear 6520 is lifted away and out of engagement with the bevel gear 6510. Stated another way, the bevel gear 6520 is not operably engaged with the bevel gear 6510 when the shaft 6530 is in its bailed out position. The shaft 6530 comprises a bailout knob 6790 fixedly mounted thereto which is configured to be manually lifted by a clinician to operably disengage the bevel gear 6520 from the bevel gear 6510 and decouple the robotic surgical system from the firing drive 7500. In such instances, the rotation of the firing drive input 6590 is not transferrable to the bevel gear 6510 and, as a result, the firing rod 7510 is not translatable by the robotic surgical system via the firing drive system 6500. In order to recouple the robotic surgical system with the firing drive system 7500, the translatable shaft 6530 can be returned to its drive position (FIG. 54) to operably re-engage the bevel gear 6520 with the bevel gear 6510.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument 5000 further comprises a firing system bailout 6700. The firing system bailout 6700 comprises a drive gear 6710 meshingly engaged with the bevel gear 6510 and, in addition, a handle 6730 including an internal ratchet pawl 6720. The internal ratchet pawl 6720 is positioned within a window, or opening, defined in the handle 6730 and is rotatably mounted to the handle 6730 about a pin. Notably, the drive gear 6710 and the handle 6730 are rotatable about a common pin and/or axis of rotation. When the handle 6730 is rotated from its position illustrated in FIG. 55 to its position illustrated in FIG. 56, the ratchet pawl 6720 engages an inner array of teeth defined on the drive gear 6710 and, at that point, the handle 6730 can be used to rotate the drive gear 6710. In such instances, the rotation of the drive gear 6710 is transmitted to the bevel gear 6510 which translates, or retracts, the firing rod 7510 of the firing drive 7500 proximally.

Notably, further to the above, the inner array of teeth defined on the drive gear 6710 that is driven by the ratchet pawl 6720 is not engaged with the bevel gear 6510; rather, an outer array of teeth defined on the drive gear 6710 is meshingly engaged with the bevel gear 6710 that is different than the inner array of teeth engaged by the ratchet pawl 6720. When the handle 6730 is rotated back from its position illustrated in FIG. 56 to its position illustrated in FIG. 55, the ratchet pawl 6720 slides over the teeth of the drive gear 6710 without back-driving, or at least substantially back-driving, the drive gear 6710. Once the handle 6730 has been reset, or at least substantially reset, into the position illustrated in FIG. 55, the handle 6730 can be rotated once again to further retract the firing rod 7510. This process can be repeated as many times as necessary until the firing rod 7510 has been sufficiently retracted to permit the end effector 4200 to be re-opened.

In many instances, further to the above, the surgical instrument 5000 has been operably decoupled from the robotic surgical instrument when the firing system bailout 6700 is used to retract the firing drive 7500. In such instances, the bailout knob 6790 may not have to be pulled to retract the firing drive 7500 as the firing drive 7500 is no longer operably coupled with the robotic surgical system. That said, the bailout knob 6790 can be pulled to operably decouple the firing drive input 6590 from the firing drive 7500, if desired. In other instances, the surgical instrument 5000 may still be operably coupled to the robotic surgical system when the firing system bailout 6700 is used to retract the firing drive 7500. In such instances, it may be difficult for the firing system bailout 6700 to overcome inertia and/or resistance within the rotary drive of the robotic surgical system and, as a result, pulling the bailout knob 6790 to operably decouple the firing drive 7500 from the firing drive input 6590 may be helpful.

Robotic surgical systems can be used with various types of surgical instruments which are attachable to a common robotic output interface. A user may detach a surgical instrument attachment from the robotic output interface and then attach a different surgical instrument attachment to the robotic output interface in its place. The first surgical instrument attachment and the second surgical instrument attachment may perform the same functions or different functions. In either event, it can be advantageous to provide a sterile barrier between the surgical instrument attachment and the robotic output interface to limit the contamination of the reusable robotic output interface. In various instances, the surgical instrument attachments are configured to be attached to and detached from a sterile adapter while the sterile adapter is attached to the robotic output interface. The sterile adapter provides a sterile barrier between the surgical instrument attachment and the robotic output interface while also permitting the operable coupling of the robotic output interface with the surgical instrument attachment so that the robotic output interface may actuate the drive systems of the surgical instrument attachment.

In current designs, an intermediate attachment portion between a surgical instrument attachment and a common robotic output interface requires idler drivetrain interfaces to couple the outputs of the robotic output interface with the inputs of the surgical instrument attachments. In such designs, the outputs of the robotic output interface not only drive the inputs of the surgical instrument attachment but, also, the idler drivetrain interfaces of the intermediate attachment portion. This presents a challenge to a clinician when trying to remove the surgical instrument attachment from the adapter when the drive systems of the surgical instrument attachment are jammed, and/or, are in an overloaded state, for instance. When the surgical instrument attachment is jammed, the clinician is not only faced with the task of defeating the primary means of attaching the intermediate attachment portion and the surgical instrument attachment, the clinician must also battle the pressure being applied to the idler drivetrain interfaces by the drive systems of the surgical instrument attachment. Thus, providing a sterile adapter that does not require a driving interface between the surgical instrument attachment, the sterile adapter, and the robotic output interface can provide previously unavailable advantages.

Referring now to FIGS. 67-71, a surgical instrument assembly 10000 comprises a surgical instrument attachment 10100 and a sterile adapter 10200. The sterile adapter 10200 is configured to be attached to and detached from a robotic output interface. The surgical instrument attachment 10100 is configured to be attached to and detached from the sterile adapter 10200 such that one or more drives of the surgical instrument attachment 10100 can be directly actuated by one or more corresponding drive outputs of the robotic output interface. The surgical instrument attachment 10100 comprises an attachment interface portion 10110 (FIG. 69) configured to be received by the sterile adapter 10200 and a main body portion 10150 comprising various components 10170 (FIG. 69) of one or more drives of the surgical instrument attachment 10100. The attachment interface portion 10110 and the main body portion 10150 of the surgical instrument attachment 10100 share a common shroud, or housing, 10101.

Referring now to FIG. 68, the surgical instrument attachment 10100 comprises one or more linearly actuatable drives. Each linearly actuated drive comprises a slider 10160, an actuation arm 10161 extending from the slider 10160, and a shaft 10162. Each slider 10160 is slidably mounted to a shaft 10162. Each linearly actuated drive further comprises a spring 10164 configured to bias the slider 10160 in the proximal direction. Each slider 10160 comprises a drive mount portion 10163 and each of the linearly actuated drives further comprises a linear drive output 10165 attached to their respective drive mount portion 10163. When the sliders 10160 are actuated and translate relative to the shafts 10162, the linear drive outputs 10165 translate relative to the shafts 10162 to affect various functions of the surgical instrument attachment 10100. The sliders 10160 may be actuated independently and/or simultaneously. Each actuation arm 10161 is configured to translate within a longitudinal aperture 10103 defined in the housing 10101 when the actuation arm 10161 is actuated by the robotic output interface.

Further to the above, the surgical instrument attachment 10100 further comprises one more rotary drives 10180, 10190. The rotary drive 10180 comprises a drive input 10181 configured to be coupled with a drive output of the robotic output interface, a flexible drive member 10182, and a drive shaft 10183 coupled to the drive input 10181 by the flexible drive member 10182. The drive shaft 10183 comprises a rotary drive output 10184 mounted thereto and is configured to affect a function of the surgical instrument attachment 10100. The rotary drive 10190 comprises a drive input 10191 configured to be coupled with a drive output of the robotic output interface, a flexible drive member 10192, and a drive shaft 10193 coupled to the drive input 10191 by the flexible drive member 10192. The drive shaft 10193 is concentric with the drive shaft 10183 and comprises a rotary drive output configured to affect a function of the surgical instrument attachment 10100.

Apertures, or cavities, 10211 are provided in the sterile adapter 10200 to permit the actuation arms 10161 to be coupled to corresponding drive outputs of the robotic output interface. The sterile adapter 10200 comprises two side portions 10210, wherein each side portion 10210 comprises two cavities 10211 providing a total of four passageways—one for each actuation arm 10161. As a result, the actuation arms 10161 of the sliders 10160 can be coupled to four corresponding drive outputs of the robotic interface and can move longitudinally within the corresponding cavities 10211. Embodiments are envisioned comprising more than or less than four sliders 10160 and, in such embodiments, the sterile adapter 10200 can comprise any suitable number of cavities 10211 to accommodate the sliders 10160. The sterile adapter 10200 further comprises an alignment aperture 10213 defined in a mating face 10201 of the sterile adapter 10200. The alignment aperture 10213 is configured to receive an alignment projection 10113 of the attachment interface portion 10110. The alignment projection 10113 extends distally from a mating face 10102 of the housing 10101 of the surgical instrument attachment 10100 and is a primary support feature of the attachment of the surgical instrument attachment 10100 and the sterile adapter 10200.

To attach the surgical instrument attachment 10100 to the sterile adapter 10200 and, thus, couple the actuation arms 10161 to the drive outputs of the robotic output interface, the alignment projection 10113 is aligned with the aperture 10213 and the surgical instrument attachment 10100 is pushed or pulled distally to approximate the mating face 10102 of the surgical instrument attachment 10100 with the mating face 10201 of the sterile adapter 10200. Upon the approximation of the mating faces 10102, 10201, projections 10220 of the sterile adapter 10200 are received within apertures 10106 defined in the housing 10101 and are configured to engage corresponding latching mechanisms of the attachment interface portion 10110. Each latching mechanism comprises, one, a lever 10120 pivotably mounted to a spine 10114 of the surgical instrument attachment 10100 by a pin 10112 and, two, a spring 10115 configured to bias the lever 10120 into a locked configuration (FIGS. 69 and 71). A stop pin 10117 is also provided in the sterile adapter 11200 for each lever 10120 to prevent the levers 10120 from rotating beyond their locked configuration. Each spring 10115 is grounded to the spine 10114 and is mounted to a lever 10120 via a protrusion 10122 defined on the lever 10120. The projections 10220 of the sterile adapter 10200 are configured to engage the levers 10120 such that, when the sterile adapter 10200 and the surgical instrument attachment 10100 are fully attached to each other, the projections 10220 are configured to hold the levers 10120 in their locked configurations and hold the surgical instrument attachment 10100 to the sterile adapter 10200.

Further to the above, each lever 10120 comprises an engagement surface 10121 that is engaged by a corresponding engagement surface 10221 defined on a projection 10220 when the mating faces 10201, 10102 are approximated to connect the surgical instrument attachment 10100 to the sterile adapter 10200. During an initial stage of the approximation, the projections 10220 overcome the spring biasing force applied to the levers 10120 by the springs 10115 and rotate the levers 10120 about the pins 10112 toward an unlocked configuration (FIG. 70). Once the mating faces 10201, 10102 are fully approximated, or, once the engagement surface 10121 is distal to the engagement surface 10221, the springs 10115 cause the levers 10120 to spring back into their locked configuration (FIG. 71). In their locked configuration, each projection 10220 comprises a proximal ledge that hooks onto and releasably holds the levers 10120 in position.

To detach the surgical instrument attachment 10100 from the sterile adapter 10200, a user can squeeze proximal portions 10123 of the levers 10120 inwardly, or toward each other, within the openings 10105 defined in the housing 10101. Squeezing the levers 10120 to overcome the spring forces applied to the levers 10120 by the springs 10115 permits the surgical instrument attachment 10100 to be pulled away from the sterile adapter 10200. In such instances, the levers 10120 are rotated away from the stop pins 10117 and into a position in which the engagement surfaces 10121, 10221 are at least substantially parallel to each other to permit the projections 10220 to disengage from the latching mechanisms, or levers 10120, and to permit the projections 10220 to be retracted back through the apertures 10106. The surgical instrument attachment 10100 can then be removed away from the sterile adapter 10200 and, because the sterile adapter 10200 is not directly engaged with the linearly actuatable arms 10161, the removal of the surgical instrument attachment 10100 does not involve overcoming residual forces applied to the linearly actuatable arms 10161 by the drive outputs of the robotic output interface. Once the projections 10220 are disengaged from the levers 10120, the levers 10120 can be released and biased back into their locked configuration by the springs 10115.

Referring now to FIGS. 72-77, a surgical instrument assembly 11000 comprises a surgical instrument attachment 11100 and a sterile adapter 11200. Similar to the sterile adapter 10200, the sterile adapter 11200 is configured to be attached to and detached from a robotic output interface. The surgical instrument attachment 11100 is configured to be attached to and detached from the sterile adapter 11200 such that one or more drives of the surgical instrument attachment 11100 can be directly actuated by one or more corresponding drive outputs of the robotic output interface. The surgical instrument attachment 11100 comprises an attachment interface portion 11110 (FIG. 73) configured to be received within the sterile adapter 11200 and a main body portion 11150 comprising various components 11170 (FIG. 73) of one or more drives of the surgical instrument attachment 11100. The attachment interface portion 11110 and the main body portion 11150 of the surgical instrument attachment 11100 share a common shroud, or housing, 11101, although the attachment interface portion 11110 and the main body portion 11150 can comprise separate housings.

The surgical instrument attachment 11100 comprises the same linear actuatable drives discussed above. Each actuation arm 10161 is configured to translate within a longitudinal aperture 11103 defined in the housing 11101 when the actuation arm 10161 is actuated by the robotic output interface. Apertures, or cavities, 11211 are provided in the sterile adapter 11200 to permit the actuation arms 10161 to be coupled to corresponding drive outputs of the robotic output interface. The sterile adapter 11200 comprises two side portions 11210, wherein each side portion 11210 comprises two cavities 11211 providing a total of four passageways—one for each actuation arm 10161. As a result, the actuation arms 10161 can be coupled to four corresponding drive outputs of the robotic interface and can move longitudinally within the corresponding cavities 11211. Embodiments are envisioned comprising more than or less than four sliders 10160 and, in such embodiments, the sterile adapter 11200 can comprise any suitable number of cavities 11211 to accommodate the sliders 10160. The sterile adapter 11200 further comprises an alignment aperture 11213 defined in a mating face 11201 of the sterile adapter 11200. The alignment aperture 11213 is configured to receive an alignment projection 11113 of the attachment interface portion 11110 and extends distally from a mating face 11102 of the housing 11101 of the surgical instrument attachment 11100. The alignment projection 11113 is a primary support feature of the attachment of the surgical instrument attachment 11100 and the sterile adapter 11200.

To attach the surgical instrument attachment 11100 to the sterile adapter 11200 and, thus, couple the actuation arms 10161 to the drive outputs of the robotic output interface, the alignment projection 11113 is aligned with the aperture 11213 and the surgical instrument attachment 11100 is pushed or pulled distally to approximate the mating face 11102 of the surgical instrument attachment 11100 with the mating face 11201 of the sterile adapter 11200. Upon the approximation of the mating faces 11102, 11201, a projection 11220 of the sterile adapter 11200 is received within an aperture 11105 defined in the housing 11101 and engage a corresponding latching mechanism of the attachment interface portion 11110. Although only one latching mechanism is illustrated, more than one latching mechanism is contemplated. Each latching mechanism comprises a lever 11120 pivotably mounted to a spine 11114 of the surgical instrument attachment 11100 by a pin 11112, a cam 11130 nested within the lever 11120 and pivotably mounted to the spine 11114 by a pin 11117, and a spring 11115 grounded to the spine 11114 configured to bias the lever 11120 and the cam 11130 into a locked configuration (FIGS. 73 and 75). The projection 11220 is configured to engage the lever 11120 and the cam 11130 such that, when the sterile adapter 11200 and the surgical instrument attachment 11100 are fully attached to each other, the projection 11220 is configured to hold the lever 11120 in its locked configuration to hold the surgical instrument attachment 11100 to the sterile adapter 11200.

Further to the above, the cam 11130 comprises an unlock surface 11131 that is engaged by an engagement surface 11221 defined on the projection 11220 when the mating faces 11201, 11102 are approximated to connect the surgical instrument attachment 11100 to the sterile adapter 11200. During an initial stage of the approximation, referring to FIG. 73, the projection 11220 overcomes the spring biasing force applied to the lever 11120 by the spring 11115. When the engagement surface 11221 engages the unlock surface 11131, referring to FIG. 74, the cam 11130 is rotated about the pin 11117. When the cam 11130 is rotated about the pin 11117, a lobe 11135 of the cam 11130 pushes on an engagement surface 11125 of the lever 11120 to rotate the lever 11120 toward its unlocked configuration (FIG. 74). Once the mating faces 11201, 11102 are fully approximated, or, once a lock surface 11223 of the projection 11220 clears, or is proximal to, the engagement surface 11131 of the cam 11130, the spring 11115 causes the lever 11120 to spring back into its locked configuration (FIG. 75). In its locked configuration, referring to FIG. 75, the projection 11220 comprises a proximal ledge that hooks onto and releasably holds the lever 11120. More specifically, the lock surface 11223 of the projection 11220 is configured to hold onto a snail-shaped portion 11133 of the cam 11130 which is prevented from rotating by the engagement of a holding surface 11126 of the lever 11120 and the lobe 11135 (FIG. 75).

Referring now to FIG. 76, a user can squeeze a proximal portion 11123 of the lever 11120 within the opening 11105 defined in the housing 11101 to compress the spring 11115 and detach the surgical instrument attachment 11100 from the sterile adapter 11200. Squeezing the lever 11120 and overcoming the spring force applied to the lever 11120 by the spring 11115 permits the lobe 11135 of the cam 11130 to clear the holding surface 11126 of the lever 11120. Once the lobe 11135 can rotate past the holding surface 11126, the surgical instrument attachment 11100 can be pulled proximally from the sterile adapter 11200 to a partially detached state. When the surgical instrument attachment 11100 is pulled out of the sterile adapter 11200, the lock surface 11223 of the projection 11220 pulls on the snail-shaped portion 11133 of the cam 11130 thereby rotating the cam 11130 into an unlocked position. Once the engagement surface 11221 of the projection 11220 clears the snail-shaped portion 11133 of the cam 11130, referring to FIG. 77, the spring 11115 biases the lever 11120 and the cam 11130 back into their locked configuration. At such point, the projection 11220 and the latching mechanism 11120 are then disengaged to permit the projection 11220 to be retracted back through the aperture 11105. The surgical instrument attachment 11100 can then be removed from the sterile adapter 11200 in a proximal direction and, because the sterile adapter 11200 is not directly engaged with the linearly actuatable arms 10161 of the surgical instrument attachment 11100, the removal of the surgical instrument attachment 11100 does not involve overcoming residual force applied to the linearly actuatable arms 10161 by the drive outputs of the robotic output interface. In other words, the means for attaching the surgical instrument attachment 11100 to the sterile adapter 11200 is independent of the means for engaging the drive outputs with the linearly actuatable arms 10161.

As discussed above, the surgical instruments disclosed herein can be operably attached to a robotic surgical system, such as the robotic surgical system 9000 depicted in FIG. 78, for example. In various instances, the robotic surgical system 9000 comprises one or more arms configured to manipulate one or more of the surgical instruments disclosed herein. Various robotic surgical systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2012/0298719, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, filed May 27, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Moreover, the surgical instruments disclosed herein can be adapted to be operably attached to a handle of a handheld surgical system.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A method for bailing out a robotic surgical attachment attached to a surgical robot, the method comprising the steps of disengaging a drive output of the surgical robot with an actuator of the robotic surgical attachment, detaching the robotic surgical attachment from the surgical robot, and actuating a closure bailout of the robotic surgical attachment in a first direction to open jaws of an end effector of the robotic surgical attachment and a second direction to close jaws of the end effector.

Example 2

The method of Example 1, wherein the disengaging step comprises pulling a pin to decouple the drive output and the actuator.

Example 3

The method of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the disengaging step can occur before or after the detaching step.

Example 4

The method of Examples 1, 2, or 3, further comprising the step of actuating a firing bailout to retract a firing member of the robotic surgical attachment.

Example 5

The method of Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4, further comprising the step of actuating an additional bailout to selectively open and close the jaws of the end effector of the robotic surgical attachment.

Example 6

The method of Example 5, wherein the step of actuating the additional bailout can occur before or after the disengaging step.

Example 7

The method of Examples 5 or 6, wherein the additional bailout is configured to translate a spine member of the robotic surgical attachment relative to a closure tube of the robotic surgical attachment, and wherein the closure bailout is configured to translate the closure tube relative to the spine member.

Example 8

The method of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein the end effector is configured to be articulated relative to a shaft of the robotic surgical attachment, and wherein the method further comprises the step of actuating an articulation bailout to unarticulate the end effector of the robotic surgical attachment.

Example 9

A method of bailing out a surgical instrument assembly attached to a control interface, the method comprising the steps of actuating a firing bailout to retract a firing member of the surgical instrument assembly, actuating a first closure bailout to unclamp tissue within an end effector of the surgical instrument assembly, actuating a second closure bailout to unclamp tissue within an end effector of the surgical instrument assembly, actuating the first closure bailout or the second closure bailout to clamp the end effector, removing the surgical instrument assembly from a patient through a trocar, and detaching the surgical instrument assembly from the control interface.

Example 10

The method of Example 9, wherein the first closure bailout is configured to translate a spine member of the surgical instrument assembly relative to a closure tube of the surgical instrument assembly.

Example 11

The method of Example 10, wherein the second closure bailout is configured to translate the closure tube relative to the spine member.

Example 12

A method of bailing out a surgical instrument assembly attached to a control interface, the method comprising the steps of actuating an operating system of the surgical instrument assembly through an operating stroke, actuating a manually-driven bailout system to at least partially retract the operating system, and activating the manually-driven bailout system to at least partially advance the operating system through the operating stroke.

Example 13

A surgical instrument assembly configured to be attached to and detached from a surgical robot, wherein the surgical instrument assembly comprises a firing system, a closure system, a shaft, and an end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, a clamped configuration, and an unclamped configuration, wherein the closure system is configured to be actuated by the surgical robot to selectively place the end effector into the clamped configuration and the unclamped configuration when the surgical instrument assembly is operably attached to the surgical robot. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a manually-actuatable bailout configured to actuate the closure system to manually place the end effector into the clamped configuration and the unclamped configuration when the surgical instrument assembly is detached from the surgical robot.

Example 14

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 13, wherein the shaft comprises a spine, wherein the closure system comprises a closure tube, wherein the closure tube is configured to be actuated in a first direction to place the end effector into the clamped configuration and in a second direction to place the end effector into the unclamped configuration, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

Example 15

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 14, wherein the manually-actuatable bailout is configured to actuate the spine in the first direction to place the end effector in the unclamped configuration and in the second direction to place the end effector in the clamped configuration.

Example 16

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 14 or 15, wherein the manually-actuatable bailout comprises a rotary drive input, a drive screw configured to be actuated by the rotary drive input, and an actuator portion coupled to the drive screw and the spine.

Example 17

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 13, 14, 15, or 16, wherein the closure system comprises a linearly-actuatable drive portion configured to be actuated by a drive output of the surgical robot, and wherein the linearly-actuatable drive portion is further configured to be manually actuated when the surgical instrument assembly is detached from the surgical robot.

Example 18

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17, further comprising an articulation system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft, wherein the articulation system comprises actuators configured to be manually actuated when the surgical instrument assembly is detached from the surgical robot.

Example 19

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18, wherein the firing system comprises a firing member movable through a firing stroke, and wherein the firing system further comprises a firing system bailout configured to retract the firing member.

Example 20

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19, wherein the manually-actuated bailout comprises a first manually-actuated bailout, and wherein the surgical instrument assembly further comprises a second manually-actuatable bailout configured to actuate the closure system to manually place the end effector into the clamped configuration and the unclamped configuration when the surgical instrument assembly is attached to the surgical robot.

Example 21

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20, further comprising means for operably disengaging a powered actuator of the surgical robot with a linear actuator of the closure system such that the manually-actuatable bailout can be used without interference from the powered actuator of the surgical robot.

Example 22

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Example 23

A surgical instrument assembly configured to be attached to and detached from a surgical robot, wherein the surgical instrument assembly comprises a firing system, a closure system, a shaft, and an end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, a clamped configuration, and an unclamped configuration, wherein the closure system is configured to be actuated by the surgical robot to place the end effector into the clamped configuration and the unclamped configuration when the surgical instrument assembly is attached to the surgical robot. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises a first bailout configured to actuate the closure system to manually place the end effector into the clamped configuration and the unclamped configuration when the surgical instrument assembly is detached from the surgical robot, and a second bailout configured to actuate the closure system to manually place the end effector into the clamped configuration and the unclamped configuration when the surgical instrument assembly is attached to or detached from the surgical robot.

Example 24

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 23, wherein the shaft comprises a spine, wherein the closure system comprises a closure tube, wherein the closure tube is configured to be actuated in a first direction to place the end effector into the clamped configuration and in a second direction to place the end effector into the unclamped configuration, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

Example 25

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 24, wherein the first bailout is configured to actuate the spine in the first direction to place the end effector in the unclamped configuration and in the second direction to place the end effector in the clamped configuration.

Example 26

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 24 or 25, wherein the first bailout comprises a rotary drive input, a drive screw configured to be actuated by the rotary drive input, and an actuator portion coupled to the drive screw and the spine.

Example 27

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 24, 25, or 26, wherein the closure system comprises a linearly-actuatable drive portion configured to be actuated by a drive output of the surgical robot to actuate the closure tube, and wherein the linearly-actuatable drive portion comprises the second bailout.

Example 28

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 23, 24, 25, 26, or 27, wherein the firing system comprises a firing member movable through a firing stroke, and wherein the firing system further comprises a firing system bailout configured to retract the firing member.

Example 29

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28, further comprising means for operably disengaging a powered actuator of the surgical robot with a linear actuator of the closure system such that the first bailout can be used without interference from the powered actuator of the surgical robot.

Example 30

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Example 31

A surgical system comprising a surgical instrument attachment assembly comprising a shaft and an end effector. The surgical system further comprises a transmission assembly configured to be operably attached to and detached from a surgical robot, wherein the surgical instrument attachment assembly is configured to be operably attached to and detached from the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly comprises a drive system comprising a drive member movable in a first direction during a drive stroke and a second direction during a return stroke, and a manually-operated bailout configured to selectively move the drive member in the first and second directions when the transmission assembly is attached to the surgical robot.

Example 32

The surgical system of Example 31, wherein the manually-operated bailout is configured to actuate a component of the transmission assembly which is not otherwise actuated during the drive stroke and the return stroke of the drive member.

Example 33

The surgical system of Examples 31 or 32, wherein the drive system comprises a closure drive system configured to clamp and unclamp the end effector.

Example 34

The surgical system of Examples 31, 32, or 33, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Example 35

A surgical instrument assembly configured to be attached to and detached from a surgical robot, wherein the surgical instrument assembly comprises an articulation system, a shaft, an end effector configured to be articulated relative to the shaft by way of the articulation system and an articulation bailout. The articulation bailout comprises a bailout engagement feature configured to prevent the articulation bailout from operably engaging the articulation system until the articulation bailout is activated, position indication means for displaying the articulated position of the end effector during the use of the articulation bailout, and a manually-actuatable member configured to manually actuate the articulation system.

Example 36

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 35, wherein the manually-actuatable member comprises a ratchet mechanism.

Example 37

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 35 or 36, wherein the articulation system comprises dual articulation links and dual articulation drivers, and wherein the position indication means is keyed to the dual articulation drivers.

Example 38

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 35, 36, or 37, wherein the bailout engagement feature comprises a standoff, wherein the manually-actuatable member is held in a position where the articulation bailout is operably disengaged from the articulation system until the standoff is moved away from the manually-actuatable member.

Example 39

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 38, wherein the articulation bailout further comprises an activation feature, and wherein the standoff is positioned on the activation feature such that the standoff permits the engagement of the articulation bailout with the articulation system when the activation feature is activated.

Example 40

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 39, wherein the activation feature comprises an access door configured to permit the articulation bailout to be accessed when open and prevent the articulation bailout from being accessed when closed.

Example 41

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40, wherein the position indication means comprises an indication dial and antagonistic, dual rack-gears configured to rotate the indication dial when the articulation system articulates the end effector.

Example 42

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 41, wherein the position indication means further comprises a drive shaft and a pinion gear, wherein the pinion gear and the indication dial are coupled to the drive shaft, and wherein the dual rack-gears are configured to move in opposite directions when the end effector is articulated and rotates the pinion gear.

Example 43

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, or 42, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Example 44

A surgical instrument assembly configured to be attached to and detached from a surgical robot, wherein the surgical instrument assembly comprises a closure system configured to be actuated by a first linear actuator of the surgical robot, an articulation system configured to be actuated by a second linear actuator of the surgical robot, a shaft, an end effector configured to be closed by way of the closure system and articulated relative to the shaft by way of the articulation system, and an articulation bailout. The articulation bailout comprises a manually-operated actuation member configured to drive the articulation system and an articulation position member operably coupled to the articulation system and configured to indicate the articulated position of the end effector during the use of the articulation bailout.

Example 45

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 44, wherein the manually-operated actuation member comprises a manually-actuatable ratchet mechanism.

Example 46

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 44 or 45, wherein the articulation system comprises an articulation link and an articulation driver, and wherein the articulation position member is operably coupled to the articulation driver.

Example 47

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 44, 45, or 46, further comprising a bailout engagement feature configured to prevent the articulation bailout from operably engaging the articulation system until the articulation bailout is activated, wherein the bailout engagement feature comprises a standoff, wherein the manually-operated actuation member is held in a position where the articulation bailout is operably disengaged from the articulation system until the standoff is moved away from the manually-operated actuation member.

Example 48

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 47, wherein the articulation bailout further comprises an activation member, and wherein the standoff is positioned on the activation member such that the standoff permits the engagement of the articulation bailout with the articulation system when the activation member activated.

Example 49

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 48, wherein the activation member comprises an access door configured to permit the articulation bailout to be accessed when open and prevent the articulation bailout from being accessed when closed.

Example 50

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, or 49, wherein the articulation bailout further comprises an articulation dial and antagonistic, dual rack-gears configured to rotate the articulation dial when the articulation system articulates the end effector.

Example 51

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 50, wherein the articulation bailout further comprises a drive shaft and a pinion gear, wherein the pinion gear and the articulation position member are coupled to the drive shaft, and wherein the dual rack-gears are configured to move in opposite directions when the end effector is articulated and rotates the pinion gear.

Example 52

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, or 51, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Example 53

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, or 52, wherein the articulation system comprises an articulation driver, and wherein the surgical instrument assembly further comprises means for indicating a midpoint position of the articulation driver.

Example 54

A surgical instrument assembly configured to be attached to and detached from a surgical robot, wherein the surgical instrument assembly comprises a drive system actuatable in a first direction and a second direction which is opposite the first direction, wherein the drive system is configured to perform an instrument function, a shaft, an end effector, and a drive system bailout. The drive system bailout comprises position indication means for indicating the position of the drive system and an actuation member configured to actuate the drive system in the first direction and the second direction, wherein the direction in which the drive system bailout is operated is based on the position of the drive system indicated by the position indication means.

Example 55

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 54, wherein the drive system comprises an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft.

Example 56

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 54 or 55, wherein the end effector is articulatable between an unarticulated position and a plurality of articulated positions, and wherein the surgical instrument assembly further comprises a detent configured to indicate the unarticulated position of the end effector.

Example 57

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 54, 55, or 56, wherein the actuation member comprises a manually-actuatable ratchet mechanism.

Example 58

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, or 57, wherein the drive system bailout further comprises an activation feature configured to prevent the actuation member from being able to actuate the drive system until the activation feature is disengaged from the actuation member.

Example 59

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57, or 58, wherein the actuation member is configured to be manually actuated.

Example 60

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, or 59, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Example 61

A surgical instrument assembly comprising a proximal shaft assembly comprising a proximal drive member, and a distal shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from the proximal shaft assembly, wherein the distal shaft assembly comprises a distal drive member configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the proximal drive member, wherein the distal drive member is configured to be actuated through a drive stroke by the proximal drive member to actuate a function of the surgical instrument assembly. The drive stroke comprises a beginning of stroke position, an end of stroke position distal to the beginning of stroke position, and a home position. The surgical instrument assembly further comprises an end effector, wherein the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are configured to be coupled to and decoupled from each other when the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are in the home position, and wherein the home position is not at the beginning of stroke position or the end of stroke position.

Example 62

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 61, wherein the home position is proximal to the beginning of stroke position.

Example 63

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 61, wherein the home position is distal to the beginning of stroke position and proximal to the end of stroke position.

Example 64

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 61, 62, or 63, wherein the drive stroke further comprises at least one interval drive stroke position corresponding to at least one specific event of the function of the surgical instrument assembly, wherein the at least one interval drive stroke position is distal to the beginning of stroke position and proximal to the end of stroke position, and wherein the home position is not at the at least one interval drive stroke position.

Example 65

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 61, 62, 63, or 64, further comprising a control system, wherein the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are automatically moved to the beginning of stroke position by the control system after the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly are attached.

Example 66

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 61, 62, 63, 64, or 65, wherein the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are automatically moved to the home position when the distal shaft assembly is uncoupled from the proximal shaft assembly.

Example 67

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66, wherein the proximal drive member is a first proximal drive member and the distal drive member is a first distal drive member, wherein the proximal shaft assembly further comprises a second proximal drive member and the distal shaft assembly further comprises a second distal drive member, and wherein the second proximal drive member and the second distal drive member are configured to be coupled and decoupled when the second proximal drive member and the second distal drive member are in a second home position.

Example 68

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 67, wherein the home position comprises a first home position, and wherein the second home position is aligned with the first home position.

Example 69

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 67, wherein the home position comprises a first home position, and wherein the second home position is not aligned with the first home position.

Example 70

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, or 69, wherein the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly employ a twisting motion to attach and detach the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly.

Example 71

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, or 70, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Example 72

A surgical instrument assembly comprising an end effector, a proximal shaft assembly comprising a proximal drive member, and a distal shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from the proximal shaft assembly, wherein the distal shaft assembly comprises a distal drive member configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the proximal drive member, wherein the distal drive member is configured to be actuated through a drive stroke by the proximal drive member to articulate the end effector. The drive stroke comprises a first articulated position where the end effector is fully articulated in a first direction, a second articulated position where the end effector is fully articulated in a second direction which is opposite the first direction, an unarticulated position where the end effector is unarticulated, and wherein the unarticulated position is intermediate the first articulated position and the second articulated position, and a home position. The proximal drive member and the distal drive member are configured to be coupled to and decoupled from each other when the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are in the home position, and wherein the home position is not at the first articulated position, the second articulated position, or the unarticulated position.

Example 73

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 72, wherein the home position is either intermediate the first articulated position and the unarticulated position or intermediate the second articulated position and the unarticulated position.

Example 74

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 72 or 73, further comprising a control system, wherein the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are automatically moved to the unarticulated position by the control system after the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly are attached.

Example 75

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 72, 73, or 74, further comprising a control system, wherein the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are automatically moved to the home position by the control system when the distal shaft assembly is decoupled from the proximal shaft assembly.

Example 76

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 72, 73, 74, or 75, wherein the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly employ a twisting motion to attach and detach the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly.

Example 77

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 72, 73, 74, 75, or 76, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Example 78

A surgical instrument assembly comprising a proximal shaft assembly comprising a proximal drive member, and a distal shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from the proximal shaft assembly, wherein the distal shaft assembly comprises a distal drive member configured to be coupled to and decoupled from the proximal drive member, wherein the distal drive member is configured to be actuated through a drive stroke by the proximal drive member to actuate a function of the surgical instrument assembly. The drive stroke comprises a beginning of stroke position, an end of stroke position distal to the beginning of stroke position, at least one interval drive stroke position corresponding to at least one specific event of the function of the surgical instrument assembly, wherein the at least one interval drive stroke position is distal to the beginning of stroke position and proximal to the end of stroke position, and a park position. The proximal drive member and the distal drive member are configured to be coupled to and decoupled from each other when the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are in the park position, and wherein the park position is not at the beginning of stroke position, the end of stroke position, or the at least one interval drive stroke position.

Example 79

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 78, wherein the park position is proximal to the beginning of stroke position.

Example 80

The surgical instrument assembly of Example 78, wherein the park position is distal to the beginning of stroke position and proximal to the end of stroke position.

Example 81

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 78, 79, or 80, further comprising a control system, wherein the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are automatically moved to the beginning of stroke position by the control system after the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly are attached.

Example 82

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 78, 79, 80, or 81, further comprising a control system, wherein the proximal drive member and the distal drive member are automatically moved to the park position by the control system when the distal shaft assembly is decoupled from the proximal shaft assembly.

Example 83

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 78, 79, 80, 81, or 82, wherein the proximal drive member is a first proximal drive member, the distal drive member is a first distal drive member, and the park position is a first park position, wherein the proximal shaft assembly further comprises a second proximal drive member and the distal shaft assembly further comprises a second distal drive member, and wherein the second proximal drive member and the second distal drive member are configured to be coupled and decoupled when the second proximal drive member and the second distal drive member are in a second park position.

Example 84

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, or 83, wherein the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly employ a twisting motion to attach and detach the proximal shaft assembly and the distal shaft assembly.

Example 85

The surgical instrument assembly of Examples 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, or 84, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivated by an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated in any suitable manner. Moreover, as discussed above, the motors disclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a robotically controlled system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, discloses several examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greater detail.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described in connection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, the embodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments are envisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps or tacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned which utilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an end effector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodes configured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an end effector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrational energy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on Feb. 21, 2006;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on Sep. 9, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec. 16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,845,537;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb. 14, 2008;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,870;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15, 2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,481;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection with certain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part, with the features, structures or characteristics of one ore more other embodiments without limitation. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps including, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, and subsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioning facility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, after cleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. The instrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep the instrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A device may also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materials do not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument assembly, comprising: a proximal shaft assembly comprising a proximal drive member; a distal shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from said proximal shaft assembly, wherein said distal shaft assembly comprises a distal drive member configured to be coupled to and decoupled from said proximal drive member, wherein said distal drive member is configured to be actuated through a drive stroke by said proximal drive member to actuate a function of said surgical instrument assembly, and wherein said drive stroke comprises: a beginning of stroke position; an end of stroke position distal to said beginning of stroke position; and a home position; and an end effector, wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are configured to be coupled to and decoupled from each other when said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are in said home position, and wherein said home position is not at said beginning of stroke position or said end of stroke position.
 2. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 1, wherein said home position is proximal to said beginning of stroke position.
 3. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 1, wherein said home position is distal to said beginning of stroke position and proximal to said end of stroke position.
 4. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 1, wherein said drive stroke further comprises at least one interval drive stroke position corresponding to at least one specific event of said function of said surgical instrument assembly, wherein said at least one interval drive stroke position is distal to said beginning of stroke position and proximal to said end of stroke position, and wherein said home position is not at said at least one interval drive stroke position.
 5. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 1, further comprising a control system, wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are automatically moved to said beginning of stroke position by said control system after said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly are attached.
 6. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 1, wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are automatically moved to said home position when said distal shaft assembly is uncoupled from said proximal shaft assembly.
 7. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 1, wherein said proximal drive member is a first proximal drive member and said distal drive member is a first distal drive member, wherein said proximal shaft assembly further comprises a second proximal drive member and said distal shaft assembly further comprises a second distal drive member, and wherein said second proximal drive member and said second distal drive member are configured to be coupled and decoupled when said second proximal drive member and said second distal drive member are in a second home position.
 8. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 7, wherein said home position comprises a first home position, and wherein said second home position is aligned with said first home position.
 9. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 7, wherein said home position comprises a first home position, and wherein said second home position is not aligned with said first home position.
 10. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 1, wherein said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly employ a twisting motion to attach and detach said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly.
 11. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 1, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.
 12. A surgical instrument assembly, comprising: an end effector; a proximal shaft assembly comprising a proximal drive member; and a distal shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from said proximal shaft assembly, wherein said distal shaft assembly comprises a distal drive member configured to be coupled to and decoupled from said proximal drive member, wherein said distal drive member is configured to be actuated through a drive stroke by said proximal drive member to articulate said end effector, and wherein said drive stroke comprises: a first articulated position where said end effector is fully articulated in a first direction; a second articulated position where said end effector is fully articulated in a second direction which is opposite said first direction; an unarticulated position where said end effector is unarticulated, and wherein said unarticulated position is intermediate said first articulated position and said second articulated position; and a home position, and wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are configured to be coupled to and decoupled from each other when said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are in said home position, and wherein said home position is not at said first articulated position, said second articulated position, or said unarticulated position.
 13. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 12, wherein said home position is either intermediate said first articulated position and said unarticulated position or intermediate said second articulated position and said unarticulated position.
 14. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 12, further comprising a control system, wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are automatically moved to said unarticulated position by said control system after said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly are attached.
 15. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 12, further comprising a control system, wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are automatically moved to said home position by said control system when said distal shaft assembly is decoupled from said proximal shaft assembly.
 16. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 12, wherein said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly employ a twisting motion to attach and detach said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly.
 17. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 12, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein.
 18. A surgical instrument assembly, comprising: a proximal shaft assembly comprising a proximal drive member; and a distal shaft assembly attachable to and detachable from said proximal shaft assembly, wherein said distal shaft assembly comprises a distal drive member configured to be coupled to and decoupled from said proximal drive member, wherein said distal drive member is configured to be actuated through a drive stroke by said proximal drive member to actuate a function of said surgical instrument assembly, and wherein said drive stroke comprises: a beginning of stroke position; an end of stroke position distal to said beginning of stroke position; at least one interval drive stroke position corresponding to at least one specific event of said function of said surgical instrument assembly, wherein said at least one interval drive stroke position is distal to said beginning of stroke position and proximal to said end of stroke position; and a park position, wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are configured to be coupled to and decoupled from each other when said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are in said park position, and wherein said park position is not at said beginning of stroke position, said end of stroke position, or said at least one interval drive stroke position.
 19. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 18, wherein said park position is proximal to said beginning of stroke position.
 20. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 18, wherein said park position is distal to said beginning of stroke position and proximal to said end of stroke position.
 21. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 18, further comprising a control system, wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are automatically moved to said beginning of stroke position by said control system after said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly are attached.
 22. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 18, further comprising a control system, wherein said proximal drive member and said distal drive member are automatically moved to said park position by said control system when said distal shaft assembly is decoupled from said proximal shaft assembly.
 23. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 18, wherein said proximal drive member is a first proximal drive member, said distal drive member is a first distal drive member, and said park position is a first park position, wherein said proximal shaft assembly further comprises a second proximal drive member and said distal shaft assembly further comprises a second distal drive member, and wherein said second proximal drive member and said second distal drive member are configured to be coupled and decoupled when said second proximal drive member and said second distal drive member are in a second park position.
 24. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 18, wherein said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly employ a twisting motion to attach and detach said proximal shaft assembly and said distal shaft assembly.
 25. The surgical instrument assembly of claim 18, further comprising a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein. 